Mutations in ion channel proteins associated with sudden cardiac death

ABSTRACT

Previously unknown mutations of the KCNH2, SCN5A and KCNQ1 genes are disclosed which are involved in ion channel disruptions associated with short QT syndrome, long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and progressive conduction disease. These mutations are utilized to diagnose and screen for short QT syndrome, long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and progressive conduction disease, thus providing modalities for diagnosing sudden cardiac death and/or predicting susceptibility to sudden cardiac death. Nucleic acid probes are provided which selectively hybridize to the mutant nucleic acids described herein. Antibodies are provided which selectively bind to the mutant proteins described herein. The mutations described herein are also utilized to screen for compounds useful in treating the symptoms manifest by such mutations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/497,256, filed Aug. 22, 2003, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to diagnosis of sudden cardiac death or potentialfor sudden cardiac death in patients who have mutations in ion channelsproteins involved in electrophysiology of the heart.

2. Background of Related Art

Sudden cardiac death takes the lives of over 300,000 Americans annually.Malignant ventricular arrhythmias occurring in individuals withstructurally normal hearts account for a subgroup of these suddendeaths. This form of cardiac disease accounts for approximately 20% ofsudden cardiac death cases. Recent years have witnessed major strides inthe understanding of sudden cardiac death in individuals withstructurally normal heart. Idiopathic, sudden cardiac death syndromesfor which there was previously no explanation are gradually coming intofocus as forms of inherited ion channelopathies.

The QT interval is the surrogate electrocardiographic index ofventricular repolarization and its duration under normal conditions ismainly determined by expression, properties, and balance of therepolarising inward sodium and calcium and outward potassium andchloride currents. Ion channels proteins are responsible for thecurrents that comprise the cardiac action potential and alterations inion channel function are known to be associated with a wide spectrum ofphenotypes. Long QT syndrome (LQT) is characterized by the appearance ofa long QT interval in the electrocardiogram, and an atypical polymorphicventricular tachycardia known as torsades de pointes, and a high risk ofsudden cardiac death. Congenital LQT syndrome is an inherited conditionof abnormal cardiac repolarization. Acquired LQT syndrome is similar tocongential LQT syndrome but can be caused by exposure to drugs, traumaor other environmental factors. Gain of function in SCN5A, the gene thatencodes for the α subunit of the cardiac sodium channel, is associatedwith the LQT3 form of the Long QT syndrome (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5,599,673), while a decrease in function of the same channel isassociated with Brugada syndrome and familial conduction disease.Likewise, loss of function in I_(Ks) and I_(Kr) is linked to other formsof Long QT, while an increase in I_(Ks) current, caused by a mutation inthe α subunit KCNQ1 (also referred to as KVLQT1), is linked to familialatrial fibrillation. The final common pathway is similar, involvingalteration of ion channel activity, leading to the development of anarrhythmogenic substrate.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,582,913, 6,451,534, 6,432,644 and 6,277,978 aredirected to screening and/or diagnosis of Long QT syndrome by analyzingthe DNA sequence of the KvLQT1 or KCNE1 genes and molecular variants ofthese genes which cause or are involved in the pathogenesis of Long QTsyndrome. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,420,124 and 6,274,332 are directed toscreening for drugs useful in treating a person having certain mutationsin the KVLQT1 or KCNE1 genes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,542 is directed to amethod for screening for susceptibility to drug induced cardiacarrhythmia by detecting a polymorphism in the KCNE1 gene. Certainmutations in the HERG (also known as KCNH2) gene have also been linkedto LQT synndrome. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,383.

Brugada syndrome is associated with sudden cardiac death and ventriculararrhythmia and may occur in the structurally normal heart. It ischaracterized by ST segment elevation in the right precordial leads (V1to V3) and right bundle branch block. The age of onset of clinicalmanifestations, which can include syncope or cardiac arrest, istypically in the third or fourth decade of life. Cardiac events mayoccur during sleep or at rest. A loss of ion channel function in Brugadasyndrome has been associated with certain mutations of the SCN5Aprotein.

Progressive cardiac conduction defect, also known as progressiveconduction disease or Lenegre disease is another electrophysiologicalcardiac syndrome that is considered one of the most common. It ischaracterized by a progressive alteration of cardiac conduction throughthe atrioventricular node, His-Purkinje system with left or right bundleblock, which may cause syncope or sudden death. Scott et al., Nat.Genet., (1998) 23:20-21, indicate that certain mutations in SCN5A areassociated with progressive conduction disease.

Short QT syndrome (SQT) is a new clinical entity originally described in2000. Short QT syndrome is characterized by the presence of a very shortQT interval in the electrocardiogram (Bazzett-corrected QT interval(QTc) of ≦300 msec), episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation,ventricular arrhythmias and possible sudden death in patients withstructurally normal hearts. An autosomal dominant pattern oftransmission with a high incidence of sudden death over severalgenerations has been reported.

There is a need to determine the underlying cause of sudden cardiacdeath so that diagnostic procedures can be implemented to takeprecautions in susceptible individuals and to aid in determinations ofmortality risk.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the genetic basis for a new clinical entity,characterized by sudden death and short QT intervals in theelectrocardiogram is identified. Two different missense mutations areassociated with the same amino acid change (N588K) in the S5-P loopregion of the cardiac I_(Kr) channel HERG (KCNH2). The mutationsdramatically increase I_(Kr) leading to heterogeneous abbreviation ofaction potential duration and refractoriness.

In another aspect, previously unknown mutations in the SCN5A gene areassociated with Brugada syndrome. Mutations at the following positionsin the protein encoded by SCN5A (also known as Na_(v)1.5) are identifiedherein as R104W, R179 stop, T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V, R878C,H886P, L917R, E1573K, C1727R, V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop,deletion from E1573-G1604, and insertion of TG at 851.

In another aspect, a previously unknown mutation in the KCNQ1 protein isassociated with Long QT syndrome, namely, G189W. In another aspect,previously unknown mutations of the protein encoded by the KCNH2 gene,namely, R356H, a C deletion at 764, and a W398 stop are associated withLong QT syndrome. In another aspect, a previously unknown mutation ofthe protein encoded by SCN5A (Na_(v)1.5), namely, S1134I, is associatedwith Long QT syndrome.

In another aspect, a previously unknown mutation of the protein encodedby SCN5A (Na_(v)1.5), namely, P1008S, is associated with progressiveconduction disease.

In accordance with the present invention, the above-identified mutationsare utilized to diagnose and screen for sudden cardiac death or todetermine susceptibility to cardiac death. Nucleic acid probes areprovided which selectively hybridize to the mutant nucleic acidsdescribed herein. Antibodies are provided which selectively bind to themutant proteins described herein. The above-identified mutations arealso utilized to screen for drugs useful in treating the symptomsmanifest by such mutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the pedigree of families 30-371 and 30-335 withfamilial Short QT syndrome. Filled circles and squares indicate affectedindividuals with abnormal QT interval. Half-filled circles and squaresindicate individuals who suffered sudden cardiac death. Crossed circlesand squares indicate deceased individuals.

FIG. 2 illustrates DNA sequencing analysis of with a C to A (family30-371) and a C to G (family 30-335) substitution in exon 7 of KCNH2.This results in the same amino acid substitution of lysine forasparagine at codon 588 (N588K).

FIG. 3 illustrates mutation N588K removed inactivation of KCNH2. A)Series of wild type KCNH2/KCNE2 currents elicited by 800 ms depolarizingpulses in increments of 10 mV between −50 and 50 mV from a holdingpotential of −80 mV. A large tail inward current is observed uponrepolarization to −100 mV. B) Same protocol as in A applied on TSA201cells transfected with the mutant channel N588K. Developing currents aredramatically increased due to loss of rectification properties of thechannel and the tail currents were abolished by the mutation. C)Normalized current voltage relationship. Current amplitude wasnormalized to the value at 0 mV (maximum for WT). D) Currents recordedduring an action potential clamp. Dotted line: WT, solid line: N588K.N588K thus leads to a dramatic gain of function in IKr.

FIG. 4 illustrates an electrocardiogram of patient IV-5 before and afterthe administration of Sotalol 1 mg/kg body weight intravenously.Electrocardiogram shows leads I to III at 25 mm/s. QTc changes minimallyfrom 291 to 302 msec.

FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of sotalol on KCNH2 currents in humanembryonic kidney cells (TSA201) transformed with WT KCNH2/KCNE2 comparedwith TSA201 cells transformed with N588K KCNH2/KCNE2 using patch clampexperiments. Recordings of WT and N588K currents during a 800-ms pulseto +20 mV (Vh=−80 mV) repeated every 15 seconds in control and 10 minafter addition of 100 and 500 μM D-sotalol. Concentration-responserelation is represented graphically for WT and N588K currents areexpressed as percent of control values following application ofD-sotalol. Data: Mean±SEM (n=4-6 cells for each point). IC₅₀ is shiftedfrom 0.137 mM in WT to 2.82 mM in the N588K mutant. The N588K mutationreduced sensitivity to sotalol by 20-fold.

FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of quinidine on KCNH2 currents in humanembryonic kidney cells (TSA201) transformed with WT KCNH2/KCNE2 comparedwith TSA201 cells transformed with N588K KCNH2/KCNE2 using patch clampexperiments. Recordings of WT and N588K currents during a 800-ms pulseto +20 mV (Vh=−80 mV) repeated every 15 seconds in control and 10 minafter addition of 5 μM quinidine. Dose-response relation is representedgraphically for WT and N588K currents are expressed as percent ofcontrol values following application of quinidine. Data: Mean±SEM (n=4-6cells for each point). IC₅₀ is shifted from 0.75 mM in WT to 4.35 mM inthe N588K mutant. The N588K mutation reduced sensitivity to quinidine by5.8 fold.

FIG. 7 illustrates representative whole cell current recordings for WT(Panel A) and SCN5A F532C Brugada syndrome mutant (Panel B) intransfected TSA201 cells. Current recordings were obtained at testpotentials between −100 and 0 mV in 5 mV increments from a holdingpotential of −120 mV. Panel C: Normalized I-V relation for WT (n=9) andF532C (n=9) channels. Panel D: Steady state-activation relation for WTand F532C. Chord conductance was determined using the ratio of currentto the electromotive potential for the 9 cells shown in Panel C. Datawere normalized and plotted against their test potential.

FIG. 8 illustrates representative steady-state inactivation recordingsfor wild-type (WT) (Panel A) and SCN5A F532C (Panel B) observed inresponse to the voltage clamp protocol (top of figure). Panel C: Peakcurrent was normalized to their respective maximum values and plottedagainst the conditioning potential. The steady state inactivationrelation measured with the F532C mutation shows a −10 mV shift ofmid-inactivation voltage in the hyperpolarizing direction (−102.4±4.8;n=9 versus −92.3±2.4 for WT; n=10; P<0.05).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, previously unknown mutationsof genes and their corresponding proteins are disclosed which areinvolved with ion channels associated with arrhythmias and/or suddencardiac death.

In one aspect, the invention relates to the identification of amolecular basis of short QT syndrome. More specifically, a missensemutation in the KCNH2 gene (Seq. Id. No. 6) (also referred to as theHERG gene) causes a N588K mutation of the KCNH2 protein (Seq. Id. No. 5)and short QT syndrome. Although arrhythmic diseases have been linked togain of function, e.g., in SCN5A (late I_(Na)) and KCNQ1 (I_(Ks)), nodisease had previously been associated with a gain of function in KCNH2encoding for I_(Kr). The N588K mutation dramatically increases I_(Kr)leading to heterogeneous abbreviation of action potential duration andrefractoriness, and a reduction of the affinity of the channel to I_(Kr)blockers. A novel genetic and biophysical mechanism is described hereinwhich may be responsible for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suddendeath in children and in young adults caused by mutations in KCNH2.KCNH2 is the binding target for several cardiac and non-cardiacpharmacologic compounds.

In another aspect, previously unknown mutations in the SCN5A gene (Seq.Id. No. 4) are associated with Brugada syndrome. Mutations at one ormore of the following positions in the protein encoded by the SCN5A gene(Na_(v)1.5) (Seq. Id. No. 3) are identified herein as R104W, R179 stop,T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, E1573K, C1727R,V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop codon, deletion from E1573-G1604,and insertion of TG at 851.

In another aspect, a previously unknown mutation in the KCNQ1 protein(Seq. Id. No. 1), G189W is associated with Long QT syndrome. In anotheraspect, previously unknown mutations of the protein encoded by KCNH2nucleic acid, namely, at least one of R356H, a C deletion at 764, and aW398 stop, are associated with Long QT syndrome. In another aspect, apreviously unknown mutation of the protein encoded by SCN5A (Na_(v)1.5),namely, S1134I, is associated with Long QT syndrome.

In another aspect, a previously unknown mutation of the protein encodedby SCN5A (Na_(v)1.5), namely, P1008S, is associated with progressiveconduction disease.

Analysis of these genes provides an early diagnosis of subjects withshort QT syndrome (mutated KCNH2 as described above), Brugada syndrome(mutated SCN5A as described above), Long QT syndrome (mutated KCNQ1,KCNH2 and/or SCN5A as described above), and progressive conductiondisease (mutated SCN5A as described above). Diagnostic methods includeanalyzing the nucleic acid sequence of any or all the KCNH2 (Seq. Id.No. 6), SCN5A (Seq. Id. No. 4), KCNQ1 (Seq. Id. No. 2) genes of anindividual to be tested and comparing them with the nucleic acidsequence of the native, nonvariant gene. Alternatively, the amino acidsequence of the respective polypeptides encoded by the aforelisted genesmay be analyzed for the above-indicated mutations which respectivelycause short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and/or progressive conductiondisease. Pre-symptomatic diagnosis of these syndromes will enablepractitioners to treat these disorders using existing medical therapy,e.g., using I_(Kr) blocking agents, beta blocking agents or throughelectrical stimulation.

The present invention provides methods of screening the KCNH2, KCNQ1,and/or SCN5A genes to identify the mutations listed above. Such methodsmay include the step of amplifying the respective portions of the KCNH2,KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genes containing and flanking the above describedmutated sites, and may further include a step of providing a set ofpolynucleotides which are primers for amplification of said respectiveportions of the KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genes. Methods of making suchprimers are well within the ordinary skill in the art. The methods areuseful for identifying mutations for use in either diagnosis of short QTsyndrome (mutated KCNH2 as described above), Brugada syndrome (mutatedSCN5A as described above), Long QT syndrome (mutated KCNQ1, KCNH2 and/orSCN5A as described above), and progressive conduction disease (mutatedSCN5A as described above) or prognosis of short QT syndrome (mutatedKCNH2 as described above), Brugada syndrome (mutated SCN5A as describedabove), Long QT syndrome (mutated KCNQ1, KCNH2 and/or SCN5A as describedabove), and progressive conduction disease (mutated SCN5A as describedabove). The present invention is further directed to methods ofscreening humans for the presence of KCNH2 gene variants which causeshort QT syndrome, the SCN5A variants which cause Brugada syndrome, theKCNQ1, KCNH2 and/or SCN5A variants which cause LQT syndrome, and/or theSCN5A variants which cause progressive conduction disease. Assays can beperformed to screen persons for the presence of the above-describedmutations in either the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, thepolypeptide itself and/or fragments thereof. In one embodiment, theassay may be a microchip or microarray assay. The nucleic acid encodingthe polypeptide and/or the polypeptide itself or a fragment thereof mayalso be used in assays to screen for drugs which will be useful intreating or preventing the occurrence of short QT syndrome.

The present invention also provides nucleic acid probes which willrespectively and selectively hybridize to nucleic acid coding for KCNH2,KCNQ1 or SCN5A polypeptides containing the above-described mutations,for example, the mutation which causes short QT syndrome, said mutationbeing a substitution of lysine for asparagine at amino acid residue 588of the KCNH2 polypeptide, but will not hybridize to DNA encoding wildtype KCNH2 under hybridization conditions which only permithybridization products to form which are fully complementary in theregion of the mutation. For example, the present invention provides anucleic acid probe which will hybridize to nucleic acid coding for amutant KCNH2 polypeptide containing a mutation which causes short QTsyndrome under conditions which only permit hybridization products toform which are fully complementary in the region causing said mutation,said mutation being caused by a mutation in said nucleic acid being asubstitution of G for C or A for C at nucleotide position 1764, but willnot hybridize to nucleic acid encoding wild type KCNH2 polypeptide. Asused herein, “wild-type” or “WT” is the naturally occurring, non-mutantnucleic acid or protein.

The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing apolymorphism which causes short QT syndrome by hybridizing such anucleic acid probe to a patient's sample of DNA or RNA under conditionswhich only permit hybridization products which are fully complementaryin the region of the mutation to form, and determining the presence orabsence of a signal indicating a hybridization product, the presence ofa hybridization signal indicating the presence of short QT syndrome.Similarly, the present invention also provides a method for diagnosing apolymorphism which causes long QT syndrome by hybridizing such nucleicacid probes to a patient's sample of DNA or RNA under conditions whichonly permit hybridization products which are fully complementary in theregion of the above described LQT syndrome mutations of SCN5A, KCNH2 orKCNQ1 to form, and determining the presence or absence of a signalindicating a hybridization product, the presence of a hybridizationsignal indicating the presence of long QT syndrome. Similarly, thepresent invention also provides a method for diagnosing a polymorphismwhich causes Brugada syndrome by hybridizing such nucleic acid probes toa patient's sample of DNA or RNA under conditions which only permithybridization products which are fully complementary in the region ofthe above described Brugada syndrome mutations of SCN5A to form, anddetermining the presence or absence of a signal indicating ahybridization product, the presence of a hybridization signal indicatingthe presence of Brugada syndrome. Similarly, the present invention alsoprovides a method for diagnosing a polymorphism which causes progressiveconduction disease by hybridizing such a nucleic acid probe to apatient's sample of DNA or RNA under conditions which only permithybridization products which are fully complementary in the region ofthe above described progressive conduction disease mutation of SCN5A toform, and determining the presence or absence of a signal indicating ahybridization product, the presence of a hybridization signal indicatingthe presence of long QT syndrome In one embodiment, the patient's DNA orRNA may be amplified and the amplified DNA or RNA is hybridized withsaid probes. The hybridization maybe performed in situ. Asingle-stranded conformation polymorphism technique may be used to assayfor any of said mutations.

The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing apolymorphism which causes short QT syndrome, said polymorphism being amutation substituting a lysine at residue 588 of the KCNH2 polypeptide,said method including using a single-stranded conformation polymorphismtechnique to assay for said polymorphism. The present invention alsoprovides a method for diagnosing a polymorphism which causes Brugadasyndrome, said polymorphism being at least one of the followingmutations of the SCN5A polypeptide: R104W, R179 stop, T220I, G400A,E446K, F532C, A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, E1573K, C1727R, V232I+L1307F,P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, deletion from E1573-G1604, and insertion of TGat 851, said method including using a single-stranded conformationpolymorphism technique to assay for said polymorphism. The presentinvention also provides a method for diagnosing a polymorphism whichcauses LQT syndrome, said polymorphism being at least one of thefollowing mutations: G189W in the KCNQ1 protein; with respect to theKCNH2 protein, R356H, a C deletion at 764, and a W398stop codon; andS1134I of the SCN5A protein, said method including using asingle-stranded conformation polymorphism technique to assay for saidpolymorphism. The present invention also provides a method fordiagnosing a polymorphism which causes progressive conduction disease,said polymorphism being a mutation substituting a serine for proline atresidue 1008 of the SCN5A polypeptide, said method including using asingle-stranded conformation polymorphism technique to assay for saidpolymorphism.

The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing apolymorphism which causes short QT syndrome comprising identifying amismatch between a patient's DNA or RNA and a wild-type DNA or RNA probewherein said probe hybridizes to the region of DNA encoding amino acidresidue 588 of the KCNH2 polypeptide. The mismatch may be identified byan RNase assay wherein the patient's DNA or RNA, has been amplified andsaid amplified DNA or RNA, is hybridized with said probe. Thehybridization may be performed in situ. The present invention alsoprovides a method for diagnosing a polymorphism which causes Brugadasyndrome comprising identifying a mismatch between a patient's DNA orRNA and wild-type DNA or RNA probes wherein said probes hybridize to theregion of DNA encoding any of the following amino acid residues: 104,179, 220, 400, 446, 532, 735, 878, 886, 917, 1573, 1727, 232, 130, 336,1659 1614, 851 and 1573-1604 of the SCN5A polypeptide. The mismatch maybe identified by an RNase assay wherein the patient's DNA or RNA, hasbeen amplified and said amplified DNA or RNA, is hybridized with saidprobe. The hybridization may be performed in situ. The present inventionalso provides a method for diagnosing a polymorphism which causes longQT syndrome comprising identifying a mismatch between a patient's DNA orRNA and wild-type DNA or RNA probes wherein said probes hybridize to theregion of DNA encoding any of the following amino acid residues: 189 inthe KCNQ1 protein; 365, 398, and 764 in the KCNH2 protein; and 1134 ofthe SCN5A protein. The mismatch may be identified by an RNase assaywherein the patient's DNA or RNA, has been amplified and said amplifiedDNA or RNA, is hybridized with said probe. The hybridization may beperformed in situ. The present invention also provides a method fordiagnosing a polymorphism which causes progressive conduction diseasecomprising identifying a mismatch between a patient's DNA or RNA and awild-type DNA or RNA probe wherein said probe hybridizes to the regionof DNA encoding amino acid residue 1008 of the SCN5A polypeptide. Themismatch may be identified by an RNase assay wherein the patient's DNAor RNA, has been amplified and said amplified DNA or RNA, is hybridizedwith said probe. The hybridization may be performed in situ.

Also provided is a method for diagnosing a polymorphism which causesshort QT syndrome which includes amplifying the region of the KCNH2 DNAor RNA surrounding and including base position 1764, and determiningwhether a C to A or a C to G substitution at position 1764 exists, saidalteration being indicative of short QT syndrome. The present inventionalso provides a method for diagnosing a polymorphism which causes shortQT syndrome by amplifying the region of the KCNH2 DNA or RNA encodingamino acid 588 of the KCNH2 polypeptide and sequencing the amplified DNAor RNA wherein substitution of nucleic acid encoding lysine at position588 is indicative of short QT syndrome. Polymorphisms can lead tosubclinical forms of each of these syndromes, which may manifest onlyafter exposure to certain drugs or environmental factors. As such, theidentification of a polymorphism allows practitioners to counselpatients to avoid these drugs or environmental factors.

Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid coding for a mutant KCNH2polypeptide which causes short QT syndrome. In one embodiment, thenucleic acid encodes a mutant KCNH2 polypeptide containing asubstitution of lysine for asparagine at position 588. In oneembodiment, the DNA coding for a mutant KCNH2 polypeptide contains asubstitution of either G or A for C at nucleotide position 1764 of thewild-type KCNH2 gene. A vector containing such isolated nucleic acid isalso provided. A cell transformed or transfected with such isolatednucleic acid is also provided. Also provided is a nucleic acid probewhich will hybridize to said isolated nucleic acid. Also provided is anisolated mutant KCNH2 polypeptide containing a substitution of lysinefor asparagine at position 588.

Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid coding for a mutant SCN5Apolypeptide having at least one of the following mutations: R104W, R179stop, T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, E1573K,C1727R, V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, deletion fromE1573-G1604, and insertion of TG at 851, and which causes Brugadasyndrome. In one embodiment, the DNA coding for a mutant SCN5A proteincontains at least one nucleotide substitution in the wild-type SCN5Agene as follows: t5179c (C1727R), c310t (R104W), insert of tg at 2550(TG851), c2632t (R878C), t1595g (F532C), t2790g (L917R), c2204t (A735V),g4717a (E1573K), c535t (R179 stop), g1336a (E446K), g1199c(G400A),a2675c (H886P), c4842g (Y1614 stop), c659t (T2201), g694a+c3919t(V232I+L1307F), splice of exons 27 and 28=4810+7 ins GGG (E1573-G1604deletion), and c1007t+a4975g (P336L+I1659V). Vectors containing suchisolated nucleic acid are also provided. Cells transformed ortransfected with such isolated nucleic acid are also provided. Alsoprovided are a nucleic acid probes which will hybridize to said isolatednucleic acid. Also provided is an isolated mutant SCN5A polypeptidecontaining at least one of the following mutations: R104W, R179 stop,T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, E1573K, C1727R,V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, deletion from E1573-G1604, andinsertion of TG at 851.

Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid coding for a KCNQ1 proteinmutant G189W which causes LQT syndrome. In one embodiment, the DNAcoding for a mutant KCNQ1 protein contains a g165t nucleotidesubstitution in the wild-type KCNQ1 gene. A vector containing suchisolated nucleic acid is also provided. A cell transformed ortransfected with such isolated nucleic acid is also provided. Alsoprovided is a nucleic acid probe which will hybridize to said isolatednucleic acid. Also provided is an isolated mutant KCNQ1 polypeptidecontaining a G189W mutation.

Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid coding for a mutant KCNH2protein which causes LQT syndrome having at least one of the followingmutations: R356H, a C deletion at 764, and a W398stop. In oneembodiment, the DNA coding for a mutant KCNH2 protein contains at leastone of the following mutations g1067a (R356H), c2291 deletion (C764deletion), and g1193a (W398 stop) of the wild-type KCNH2 gene. Vectorscontaining such isolated nucleic acid are also provided. Cellstransformed or transfected with such isolated nucleic acid are alsoprovided. Also provided is a nucleic acid probe which will hybridize tosaid isolated nucleic acid. Also provided is an isolated mutant KCNH2polypeptide containing at least one of the following mutations: R356H, aC deletion at 764, and a W398stop.

Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid coding for a mutant SCN5Aprotein which causes LQT syndrome having the following mutation: S1134I.In one embodiment, the DNA coding for a mutant SCN5A protein contains anucleotide substitution of g3401t in the wild-type SCN5A gene. A vectorcontaining such isolated nucleic acid is also provided. A celltransformed or transfected with such isolated nucleic acid is alsoprovided. Also provided is a nucleic acid probe which will hybridize tosaid isolated nucleic acid. Also provided is an isolated mutant SCN5Apolypeptide containing a S1134I mutation.

Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid coding for a mutant SCN5Aprotein which causes progressive conduction disease having the followingmutation: P1008S, In one embodiment, the DNA coding for a mutant SCN5Aprotein contains a nucleotide substitution of c3022t in the wild-typeSCN5A gene. A vector containing such isolated nucleic acid is alsoprovided. A cell transformed or transfected with such isolated nucleicacid is also provided. Also provided is a nucleic acid probe which willhybridize to said isolated nucleic acid. Also provided is an isolatedmutant SCN5A polypeptide containing a P1008S mutation.

“Isolated”, as used herein, means that the original material to which itrefers was removed from the environment where it may have originallybeen found. “Isolated” material also includes material which may haveoriginally been found in a native environment but was synthesizedoutside that native environment by artificial means. Such “isolated”materials may be combined with other materials. Thus, for example, an“isolated” nucleic acid is still considered to be “isolated” even if itis found in a self-replicating cell that is the progeny of a parent cellthat was transformed or transfected with nucleic acid that was notnative to that parent cell.

With respect to short QT syndrome, two families with hereditary short QTsyndrome and a high incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and suddencardiac death were studied. Analysis for the genetic mutation in thesetwo families was performed. (Families 30-371 and 30-335) (FIG. 1).Highly informative chromosomal markers were used targeting locicontaining 24 candidate genes involved in cardiac electrical activity toperform the initial haplotype analysis in family 30-371. Directsequencing of the gene exons corresponding to the loci segregating withthe affected individuals identified a missense mutation (C to Asubstitution at nucleotide 1764) in family 30-371 in KCNH2. Analysis offamily 30-335 identified a different missense mutation in the sameresidue (C to G substitution at nucleotide 1764) in KCNH2. Bothmutations substituted the asparagine at codon 588 in KCNH2 protein(HERG) for a positively charged lysine (FIG. 2). This residuecorresponds to exon 7, which encodes the pore region of the IK_(r)channel. This residue is located in the S5-P loop region of HERG at themouth of the channel. The mutation was present in all affected membersin the respective family and in none of the unaffected. Given thepattern of transmission, it is believed that the mutation must have beenpresent in two of the individuals who died suddenly in family 30-371 asobligate carriers. These mutations were not present in four hundredcontrol chromosomes. A third family line with certain members exhibitingsudden cardiac death mortality was investigated and also found to havethe N588K mutation in KCNH2 associated with SQT syndrome.

To determine the mechanism by which mutation N588K reduces the durationof the ventricular action potential and shortens the QT interval and toobtain current recordings representative of I_(Kr), the mutated KCNH2channels (N588K) were co-expressed with the ancillary β-subunit KCNE2(MiRP1) in human embryonic kidney cells (TSA201) and patch clampexperiments were performed. Whole cell recordings (FIG. 3 a) showed thatthe wild type (WT) HERG/KCNE2 currents elicited by sequentialdepolarizing pulses reached a maximum steady state current at −5 mV andstarted to decrease due to the rapid onset of inactivation(rectification) at more positive potentials. In cells transfected withthe WT channels, the typical large tail currents generated byinactivated channels rapidly reopening (recovery) upon repolarizationwere also observed. In contrast, N588K/KCNE2 steady state currentcontinued to increase linearly well over +40 mV and significant tailcurrents following repolarization were not observed. Analysis of thecurrent voltage relationship (FIG. 3B) shows that N588K/KCNE2 currentsdid not rectify significantly in a physiological range of potentials.

To determine how the mutation altered the kinetics of the current duringan action potential, WT and N588K currents were elicited using astimulus generated by a previously recorded AP. FIG. 3C shows that WTcurrents displayed a “hump” like waveform with slow activation kineticsand a rapid increase during the repolarization phase of the actionpotential, as inactivated channels quickly recovered. In sharp contrast,N588K/KCNE2 currents displayed a dome-like configuration resulting in amuch larger relative current during the initial phases of the actionpotential.

KCNH2 protein has a “shaker like” tetrameric structure composed ofhomologous core units each containing six membrane-spanning segments.Co-assembly with the beta-subunit MiRP1 (KCNE2) is required to fullyreproduce the biophysical and pharmacological properties of the nativeI_(Kr). KCNH2 has previously been linked to a decrease in outwardrepolarizing current responsible for the hereditary (LQT2) and acquiredforms of LQTS. A common polymorphism in KCNH2 (K897T) has been reportedto produce a modest abbreviation of QTc to 388.5±2.9 by shifting thevoltage of activation of I_(Kr) by −7 mV. KCNH2 is also the primarytarget of Class III antiarrhythmics. Binding of dofetilide and sotaloloccurs primarily in the open state. The S5-P loop region of KCNH2 formsthe pore of the channel and contains the selectivity filter. Chimericstudies of KCNH2 showed that replacing the S5-S6 linker, which containsthe pore region, by the corresponding area from the bovine ether-a-go-go(BEAG) removes the high affinity block by dofetilide, indicating thatthis area contains residues important for binding ofmethanesulfonanilides and C type inactivation. Abolition of the currentrectification by N588K further support the notion that residues in thisarea of the channel are important for C-type inactivation and binding ofmethanesulfonanilides to KCNH2. Block of I_(Kr) bymethanesulfonanilides, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, macrolideantibiotics, antifungal agents and antihistamines is the basis for theQT prolonging effects and potential arrythmogenecity of these compounds.

Because QT abbreviation is likely due to a decrease in ventricular APduration subsequent to an increase in repolarizing current, it wasbelieved that blocking I_(Kr), with Class III antiarrhythmic drugs couldbe a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of SQTS. FIG. 4shows that Sotalol, a class III antiarrhythmic with potent I_(Kr)blocking actions, was administered as a preliminary test of thishypothesis. FIG. 4 illustrates the response of patient IV-5 of family30-371 to 1 mg/kg IV sotalol. QTc at baseline was 291 msec and remainedpractically unchanged after sotalol, suggesting that this particularphenotype is not responsive to this dose of the I_(Kr) blocker. FIG. 5shows that extracellular application of sotalol caused a shift insensitivity of the KCNH2 channel by 20 fold as a consequence of theN588K mutation in TSA201 cells. IC₅₀ was shifted from 0.137 mM in WT to2.82 mM in N588K. FIG. 6 shows that extracellular application ofquinidine caused a shift in sensitivity of the KCNH2 channel by 5.8 foldas a consequence of the N588K mutation in TSA201 cells. IC₅₀ was shiftedfrom 0.75 mM in WT to 4.35 mM in N588K. Accordingly, the N588K mutationproduces less sensitivity of a decrease in sensitivity of KCNH2 toquinidine.

These results provide for the first time a genetic basis for the shortQT syndrome, a disease characterized by marked abbreviation of the QTinterval and a high incidence atrial and ventricular arrhythmias andsudden death. The data demonstrate the first linkage of a cardiacdisease to a gain of function in KCNH2, which encodes for rapidlyactivating delayed rectifier current, I_(Kr). A N588K missense mutationis shown to abolish rectification of the current and reduce the affinityof the channel for drugs with Class III antiarrhythmic action. The neteffect of the mutation is to increase the repolarizing currents activeduring the early phases of the AP, leading to abbreviation of the actionpotential, and thus to abbreviation of the QT interval. Because of theheterogeneous distribution of ion currents within the heart, it may bethat the AP shortening in SQTS is heterogeneous, leading to accentuationof dispersion of repolarization and the substrate for the development ofboth atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Given the young age of somepatients (3 months), the data also provides evidence linking KCNH2mutations to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Since I_(Ks)contributes importantly to repolarization, block of this current maybenefit SQT syndrome. Selective I_(Ks) blockers are under development,e.g., Chromanol 293B and HMR 1556. When compared to Chromanol 293B, HMR1556 has a higher potency and specificity towards I_(Ks).

Accordingly, a method of screening compounds for use in treating cardiacion channel abnormalities resulting from the mutations described hereinis provided. In one aspect, patients who have been diagnosed with one ormore of the mutations described herein are dosed with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable compound which an investigator suspects may have an effect onthe ion channel, an electrocardiogram is taken, and the effect of the QTinterval, if any, is ascertained. A therapeutic effect is considered onewhich modifies an abnormal interval to a more normal interval.

In another aspect, a cell based assay is provided. Cells containingnucleic acid encoding mutant KCNH2, SCN5A or KCNQ1 protein as describedherein are contacted with a test compound and the effect on ion channelcurrents is ascertained. Suitable cells include, e.g., human embryonickidney cells (HEK) and cardiac cell lines such as HL-1, described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,316,207, incorporated herein by reference. Othermodalities include transfected oocytes or transgenic animals. A testcompound is added to the cells in culture or administered to atransgenic animal containing mutant KCNH2, SCN5A or KCNQ1 and the effecton the current of the ion channel is compared to the current of a cellor animal containing the wild-type KCNH2, SCN5A or KCNQ1. Drugcandidates which alter the current to a more normal level are useful fortreating or preventing LQT syndrome, SQT syndrome, Brugada syndrome orprogressive conduction disease.

FIG. 7 illustrates representative whole cell current recordings for WT(Panel A) and SCN5A F532C Brugada syndrome mutant (Panel B) intransfected TSA201 cells. Current recordings were obtained at testpotentials between −100 and 0 mV in 5 mV increments from a holdingpotential of −120 mV. Panel C: Normalized I-V relation for WT (n=9) andF532C (n=9) channels. Panel D: Steady state-activation relation for WTand F532C. Chord conductance was determined using the ratio of currentto the electromotive potential for the 9 cells shown in Panel C. Datawere normalized and plotted against their test potential.

FIG. 8 illustrates representative steady-state inactivation recordingsfor WT (Panel A) and SCN5A F532C (Panel B) observed in response to thevoltage clamp protocol (top of figure). Panel C: Peak current wasnormalized to their respective maximum values and plotted against theconditioning potential. The steady state inactivation relation measuredwith the F532C mutation shows a −10 mV shift of mid-inactivation voltagein the hyperpolarizing direction (−102.4±4.8; n=9 versus −92.3±2.4 forWT; n=10; P<0.05). Thus, a major loss of function of sodium channelcurrent is expected consistent with the phenotype of the disease. Such ashift would be expected to lead to a reduced sodium channel current dueto reduced availability of sodium channels at the normal restingpotential.

According to the diagnostic and prognostic methods of the presentinvention, alteration of the wild-type KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genesand/or proteins are detected. Useful diagnostic techniques include, butare not limited to fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), directnucleic acid sequencing, PFGE analysis, Southern blot analysis, singlestranded conformation analysis (SSCA), RNase protection assay,allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO), dot blot analysis, hybridizationusing nucleic acid modified with gold nanoparticles and PCR-SSCP. Alsouseful is the recently developed technique of DNA microarray technology.Implementation of these techniques is considered to be routine for thoseskilled in the art.

The presence of sudden cardiac death or susceptibility thereto may beascertained by testing any tissue of a human subject or non-humansubject for mutations of the KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genes asdescribed herein. For example, a person who has inherited a germlineKCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A mutation as described herein would be pronehave SQT syndrome, LQT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, progressivetransmission disease, to develop arrhythmias or suffer from suddencardiac death depending on the particular mutation. This can bedetermined by testing DNA from any tissue of the subject's body. Mostsimply, blood can be drawn and DNA extracted from the cells of theblood. In addition, prenatal diagnosis can be accomplished by testingfetal cells, placental cells or amniotic cells for mutations of theKCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genes. Alteration of a wild-type KCNH2,KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genes, whether, for example, by point mutation ordeletion, can be detected by any of the means discussed herein.

Those skilled in the art are familiar with numerous methods that can beused to detect DNA sequence variation. Direct DNA sequencing, eithermanual sequencing or automated fluorescent sequencing can detectsequence variation. Another approach is the single-stranded conformationpolymorphism assay (SSCP) (Orita et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA86:2766-2770 (1989)). This method does not detect all sequence changes,especially if the DNA fragment size is greater than 200 bp, but can beoptimized to detect most DNA sequence variation. The reduced detectionsensitivity may be a disadvantage, but the increased throughput possiblewith SSCP can make it an attractive, viable alternative to directsequencing for mutation detection. The fragments which have shiftedmobility on SSCP gels are then sequenced to determine the exact natureof the DNA sequence variation. Other approaches based on the detectionof mismatches between the two complementary DNA strands include clampeddenaturing gel electrophoresis (CDGE) (Sheffield et al., Am. J. Hum.Genet. 49:699-706 (1991)), heteroduplex analysis (HA) (White et al.,Genomics 12:301-306 (1992)) and chemical mismatch cleavage (CMC) (Grompeet al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:5855-5892 (1989)). Once a mutationis known, an allele specific detection approach such as allele specificoligonucleotide (ASO) hybridization can be utilized to rapidly screenlarge numbers of other samples for that same mutation. Such a techniquecan utilize probes which are labeled with gold nanoparticles to yield avisual color result (Elghanian et al., Science 277:1078-1081 (1997)).

Detection of point mutations described herein may be accomplished bymolecular cloning of the KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genes and sequencingthe genes using techniques well known in the art. Also, the gene orportions of the gene may be amplified, e.g., by PCR or otheramplification technique, and the amplified gene or amplified portions ofthe gene may be sequenced.

Well known methods for indirect, test for confirming the presence of asusceptibility mutant include: 1) single stranded conformation analysis(SSCP) (Orita M, et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:2766-2770);2) denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) (Wartell R M, et al.(1990) Nucl. Acids Res. 18:2699-2705; Sheffield V C, et al. (1989) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:232-236); 3) RNase protection assays(Finkelstein J, et al. (1990) Genomics 7:167-172; Kinszler K W, et al.(1991) Science 251:1366-1370); 4) allele-specific oligonucleotides(ASOs) (Conner B J, et al. (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA80:278-282); 5) the use of proteins which recognize nucleotidemismatches, such as the E. coli mutS protein (Modrich P (1991) Ann. Rev.Genet. 25:229-253); and 6) allele-specific PCR (Ruano G and Kidd K K(1989) Nucl. Acids Res. 17:8392). For allele-specific PCR, primers areused which hybridize at their 3′ ends to particular KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/orSCN5A gene mutations. If the particular mutation is not present, anamplification product is not observed. Amplification Refractory MutationSystem (ARMS) can also be used. In addition, restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism (RFLP) probes for the genes or surrounding marker genes canbe used to score alteration of an mutant or an insertion in apolymorphic fragment. Such a method is useful for screening relatives ofan affected individual for the presence of the mutation found in thatindividual. Other techniques for detecting insertions and deletions asknown in the art can be used.

In the first three methods (SSCP, DGGE and RNase protection assay), anew electrophoretic band appears. SSCP detects a band which migratesdifferentially because the sequence change causes a difference insingle-strand, intramolecular base pairing. RNase protection involvescleavage of the mutant polynucleotide into two or more smallerfragments. DGGE detects differences in migration rates of mutantsequences compared to wild-type sequences, using a denaturing gradientgel. In an allele-specific oligonucleotide assay, an oligonucleotide isdesigned which detects a specific sequence, and the assay is performedby detecting the presence or absence of a hybridization signal. In themutS assay, the protein binds only to sequences that contain anucleotide mismatch in a heteroduplex between mutant and wild-typesequences. Mismatches, according to the present invention, arehybridized nucleic acid duplexes in which the two strands are not 100%complementary. Lack of total homology may be due to deletions,insertions, inversions or substitutions. Mismatch detection can be usedto detect point mutations in the gene or in its mRNA product. Whilethese techniques are less sensitive than sequencing, they are simpler toperform on a large number of samples. An example of a mismatch cleavagetechnique is the RNase protection method. The method involves the use ofa labeled riboprobe which is complementary to the respective humanwild-type KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A gene coding sequences. Theriboprobe and either mRNA or DNA isolated from the subject are annealed(hybridized) together and subsequently digested with the enzyme RNase Awhich is able to detect some mismatches in a duplex RNA structure. If amismatch is detected by RNase A, it cleaves at the site of the mismatch.Thus, when the annealed RNA preparation is separated on anelectrophoretic gel matrix, if a mismatch has been detected and cleavedby RNase A, an RNA product will be seen which is smaller than the fulllength duplex RNA for the riboprobe and the mRNA or DNA. The riboprobeneed not be the full length of the mRNA or gene but can be a segment ofeither. If the riboprobe comprises only a segment of the mRNA or gene,it will be desirable to use a number of these probes to screen the wholemRNA sequence for mismatches.

In similar fashion, DNA probes can be used to detect mismatches, throughenzymatic or chemical cleavage. See, e.g., Cotton R G, et al. (1988)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:4397-4401; Shenk T E, et al. (1975) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 72:989-993; Novack D F, et al. (1986) Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci USA 83:586-590. Alternatively, mismatches can be detected byshifts in the electrophoretic mobility of mismatched duplexes relativeto matched duplexes. See, e.g., Cariello N F (1988) Am. J. HumanGenetics 42:726-734). With either riboprobes or DNA probes, the cellularmRNA or DNA which might contain a mutation can be amplified using PCRbefore hybridization. Changes in DNA of the KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5Agenes can also be detected using Southern hybridization.

DNA sequences of the KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A genes which have beenamplified by use of PCR may also be screened using mutant-specificprobes. These probes are nucleic acid oligomers, each of which containsa region of the gene sequence harboring any of the mutations describedherein. For example, one oligomer may be about 30 nucleotides in length,corresponding to a portion of the gene sequence. By use of a battery ofsuch probes, PCR amplification products can be screened to identify thepresence of a previously identified mutation in the gene. Hybridizationof probes with amplified KCNH2, KCNQ1, and/or SCN5A sequences can beperformed, for example, on a nylon filter. Hybridization to a particularprobe under high stringency hybridization conditions indicates thepresence of the same mutation in the tissue as in the allele-specificprobe. High stringency hybridization conditions may be defined as thoseconditions which allow an 8 basepair stretch of a first nucleic acid (aprobe) to bind to a 100% perfectly complementary 8 basepair stretch ofnucleic acid while simultaneously preventing binding of said firstnucleic acid to a nucleic acid which is not 100% complementary, i.e.,binding will not occur if there is a mismatch.

Thus, in one embodiment, the above-identified DNA sequences may bedetected by DNA hybridization probe technology. In one example, which isnot exclusive, the sample suspected of containing the genetic marker isspotted directly on a series of membranes and each membrane ishybridized with a different labeled oligonucleotide probe that isspecific for the particular sequence variation. One procedure forspotting the sample on a membrane is described by Kafotos et al.,Nucleic Acids Research, 7:1541-1552 (1979).

Briefly, the DNA sample affixed to the membrane may be pretreated with aprehybridization solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, Ficoll,serum albumin and various salts prior to the probe being added. Then, alabeled oligonucleotide probe that is specific to each sequence to bedetected is added to a hybridization solution similar to theprehybridization solution. The hybridization solution is applied to themembrane and the membrane is subjected to hybridization conditions thatwill depend on the probe type and length, type and concentration ofingredients, etc. Generally, hybridization may be carried out at about25-75° C., preferably 35 to 65° C., for 0.25-50 hours, preferably lessthan three hours. The greater the stringency of conditions, the greaterthe required complementarity for hybridization between the probe andsample. If the background level is high, stringency may be increasedaccordingly. The stringency can also be incorporated in the wash.

After the hybridization the sample is washed of unhybridized probe usingany suitable means such as by washing one or more times with varyingconcentrations of standard saline phosphate EDTA (SSPE) (180 nM NaCl, 10mM Na₂ HPO₄ and 1 M EDTA, pH 7.4) solutions at 25-75° C. for about 10minutes to one hour, depending on the temperature. The label is thendetected by using any appropriate detection techniques known to thoseskilled in the art.

The sequence-specific oligonucleotide that may be employed herein is anoligonucleotide that may be prepared using any suitable method, such as,for example, the organic synthesis of a nucleic acid from nucleosidederivatives. This synthesis may be performed in solution or on a solidsupport. One type of organic synthesis is the phosphotriester method,which has been utilized to prepare gene fragments or short genes. In thephosphotriester method, oligonucleotides are prepared that can then bejoined together to form longer nucleic acids. For a description of thismethod, see, e.g., Narang, S. A., et al., Meth. Enzymol., 68, 90 (1979)and U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,270.

A second type of organic synthesis is the phosphodiester method, whichhas been utilized to prepare tRNA genes. See Brown, E. L., et al., Meth.Enzymol., 68, 109 (1979) for a description of this method. As in thephosphotriester method, the phosphodiester method involves synthesis ofoligonucleotides that are subsequently joined together to form thedesired nucleic acid.

Automated embodiments of these methods may also be employed. In one suchautomated embodiment diethylphosphoramidites are used as startingmaterials and may be synthesized as described by Beaucage et al.,Tetrahedron Letters, 22:1859-1862 (1981). One method for synthesizingoligonucleotides on a modified solid support is described, e.g., in U.S.Pat. No. 4,458,066. It is also possible to use a primer which has beenisolated from a biological source (such as a restriction endonucleasedigest).

The sequence-specific oligonucleotide must encompass the region of thesequence which spans the nucleotide variation being detected and must bespecific for the nucleotide variation being detected. For example,oligonucleotides may be prepared, each of which contains the nucleotidesequence site characteristic of each of the mutated DNA sequencesherein. Each oligonucleotide would be hybridized to duplicates of thesame sample to determine whether the sample contains one or more of theregions of the locus where the mutations described herein may occurwhich are characteristic of LQT syndrome, SQT syndrome, Brugada syndromeand progressive conduction disease.

The length of the sequence-specific oligonucleotide will depend on manyfactors, including the source of oligonucleotide and the nucleotidecomposition. For purposes herein, the oligonucleotide typically contains15-30 nucleotides, although it may contain more or fewer nucleotides.While oligonucleotides which are at least 19-mers in length may enhancespecificity and/or sensitivity, probes which are less than 19-mers,e.g., 16-mers, show more sequence-specific discrimination, presumablybecause a single mismatch is more destabilizing. If amplification of thesample is carried out as described below prior to detection with theprobe, amplification increases specificity so that a longer probe lengthis less critical, and hybridization and washing temperatures can belowered for the same salt concentration. Therefore, in such a case itmay be preferred to use probes which are less than 19-mers.

Where the sample is first placed on the membrane and then detected withthe oligonucleotide, the oligonucleotide should be labeled with asuitable label moiety, which may be detected by spectroscopic,photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical or chemical means.Immunochemical means include antibodies which are capable of forming acomplex with the oligonucleotide under suitable conditions, andbiochemical means include polypeptides or lectins capable of forming acomplex with the oligonucleotide under the appropriate conditions.Examples include fluorescent dyes, electron-dense reagents, enzymescapable of depositing insoluble reaction products or being detectedchronogenically, such as alkaline phosphatase, a radioactive label suchas ³²P, or biotin. If biotin is employed, a spacer arm may be utilizedto attach it to the oligonucleotide.

In a “reverse” dot blot format, a labeled sequence-specificoligonucleotide probe capable of hybridizing with one of the DNAsequences is spotted on (affixed to) the membrane under prehybridizationconditions as described above. The sample is then added to thepretreated membrane under hybridization conditions as described above.Then the labeled oligonucleotide or a fragment thereof is released fromthe membrane in such a way that a detection means can be used todetermine if a sequence in the sample hybridized to the labeledoligonucleotide. The release may take place, for example, by adding arestriction enzyme to the membrane which recognizes a restriction sitein the probe. This procedure, known as oligomer restriction, isdescribed more fully in EP Patent Publication 164,054 published Dec. 11,1985, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, a sequence specific oligonucleotide immobilized to themembrane could bind or “capture” a target DNA strand (PCR-amplified).This “captured” strand could be detected by a second labeled probe. Thesecond oligonucleotide probe could be either locus-specific orallele-specific.

In an alternative method for detecting the DNA sequences herein, thesample to be analyzed is first amplified using DNA polymerase,nucleotide triphosphates and primers. Briefly, this amplificationprocess involves the steps of:

(a) treating a DNA sample suspected of containing one or more of themutations described above, together or sequentially, with differentnucleotide triphosphates, an agent for polymerization of the nucleotidetriphosphates, and one deoxyribonucleotide primer for each strand ofeach DNA suspected of containing the abode described mutations underhybridizing conditions, such that for each DNA strand containing eachdifferent genetic marker to be detected, an extension product of eachprimer is synthesized which is complementary to each DNA strand, whereinsaid primer(s) are selected so as to be substantially complementary toeach DNA strand containing each different genetic marker, such that theextension product synthesized from one primer, when it is separated fromits complement, can serve as a template for synthesis of the extensionproduct of the other primer; (b) treating the sample under denaturingconditions to separate the primer extension products from theirtemplates if the sequence(s) to be detected are present; and (c)treating the sample, together or sequentially, with the nucleotidetriphosphates, an agent for polymerization of the nucleotidetriphosphates, and oligonucleotide primers such that a primer extensionproduct is synthesized using each of the single strands produced in step(b) as a template, wherein steps (b) and (c) are repeated a sufficientnumber of times to result in detectable amplification of the nucleicacid containing the sequence(s) if present.

The sample is then affixed to a membrane and detected with asequence-specific probe as described above. Preferably, steps (b) and(c) are repeated at least five times, and more preferably 15-30 times ifthe sample contains human genomic DNA. If the sample comprises cells,preferably they are heated before step (a) to expose the DNA therein tothe reagents. This step avoids extraction of the DNA prior to reagentaddition.

In a “reverse” dot blot format, at least one of the primers and/or atleast one of the nucleotide triphosphates used in the amplificationchain reaction is labeled with a detectable label, so that the resultingamplified sequence is labeled. These labeled moieties may be presentinitially in the reaction mixture or added during a later cycle. Then anunlabeled sequence-specific oligonucleotide capable of hybridizing withthe amplified sequence(s), if the sequence(s) is/are present, is spottedon (affixed to) the membrane under prehybridization conditions asdescribed above. The amplified sample is then added to the pretreatedmembrane under hybridization conditions as described above. Finally,detection means are used to determine if an amplified sequence in theDNA sample has hybridized to the oligonucleotide affixed to themembrane. Hybridization will occur only if the membrane-bound sequencecontaining the variation is present in the amplification product.

Variations of this method include use of an unlabeled PCR target, anunlabeled immobilized allele-specific probe and a labeledoligonucleotide probe in a sandwich assay.

The amplification method provides for improved specificity andsensitivity of the probe; an interpretable signal can be obtained with a0.04 μg sample in six hours. Also, if the amount of sample spotted on amembrane is increased to 0.1-0.5 μg, non-isotopically labeledoligonucleotides may be utilized in the amplification process ratherthan the radioactive probes used in previous methods. Finally, asmentioned above, the amplification process may be applicable to use ofsequence-specific oligonucleotides less than 19-mers in size, thusallowing use of more discriminatory sequence-specific oligonucleotides.

In a variation of the amplification procedure, a thermostable enzyme,such as one purified from Thermus aquaticus, may be utilized as the DNApolymerase in a temperature-cycled chain reaction. The thermostableenzyme refers to an enzyme which is stable to heat and is heat resistantand catalyzes (facilitates) combination of the nucleotides in the propermanner to form the primer extension products that are complementary toeach DNA strand.

In this latter variation of the technique, the primers and nucleotidetriphosphates are added to the sample, the mixture is heated and thencooled, and then the enzyme is added, the mixture is then heated toabout 90-100° C. to denature the DNA and then cooled to about 35-40° C.,and the cycles are repeated until the desired amount of amplificationtakes place. This process may also be automated. The amplificationprocess using the thermostable enzyme is described more fully in U.S.Pat. No. 4,965,188, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The invention herein also contemplates a kit format which includes apackaged multicontainer unit having containers for each labeledsequence-specific DNA probe. The kit may optionally contain a means todetect the label (such as an avidin-enzyme conjugate and enzymesubstrate and chromogen if the label is biotin). In addition, the kitmay include a container that has a positive control for the probecontaining one or more DNA strands with the sequence to be detected anda negative control for the probe that does not contain the DNA strandshaving any of the sequences to be detected.

Nucleic acid analysis via microarray technology is also applicable tothe present invention. In this technique, literally thousands ofdistinct oligonucleotide probes are built up in an array on a siliconchip. Nucleic acid to be analyzed labeled, e.g., fluorescently, andhybridized to the probes on the chip. It is also possible to studynucleic acid-protein interactions using these nucleic acid microarrays.Using this technique one can determine the presence of mutations or evensequence the nucleic acid being analyzed or one can-measure expressionlevels of a gene of interest. The method is one of parallel processingof many, even thousands, of probes at once and can tremendously increasethe rate of analysis.

One method for detecting the amino acid sequences in a protein samplethat are associated with LQT syndrome, SQT syndrome, Brugada syndromeand progressive conduction disease as described herein involves the useof an immunoassay employing one or more antibodies that bind to one ormore of the mutated amino acid sequences. While the antibodies may bepolyclonal or monoclonal, monoclonal antibodies are preferred in view oftheir specificity and affinity for the antigen.

Polyclonal antibodies may be prepared by well-known methods whichinvolve synthesizing a peptide containing one or more of the amino acidsequences described herein as associated with LQT syndrome, SQTsyndrome, Brugada syndrome and progressive conduction disease, purifyingthe peptide, attaching a carrier protein to the peptide by standardtechniques, and injecting a host such as a rabbit, rat, goat, mouse,etc. with the peptide. The sera are extracted from the host by knownmethods and screened to obtain polyclonal antibodies which are specificto the peptide immunogen. The peptide may be synthesized by the solidphase synthesis method described by Merrifield, R. B., Adv. Enzymol.Relat. Areas Mol. Biol., 32:221-296 (1969) and in “The Chemistry ofPolypeptides” (P. G. Katsoyannis, ed.), pp. 336-361, Plenum, New York(1973), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.The peptide is then purified and may be conjugated to keyhold limpethemocyanin (KLH) or bovine serum albumin (BSA). This may be accomplishedvia a sulhydryl group, if the peptide contains a cysteine residue, usinga heterobifunctional crosslinking reagent such as N-maleimido-6-aminocaproyl ester of 1-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzene-4-sulfonic acid sodium salt.

The monoclonal antibody will normally be of rodent or human originbecause of the availability of murine, rat, and human tumor cell linesthat may be used to produce immortal hybrid cell lines that secretemonoclonal antibody. The antibody may be of any isotype, but ispreferably an IgG, IgM or IgA, most preferably an IgG2a.

The murine monoclonal antibodies may be produced by immunizing the hostwith the peptide mentioned above. The host may be inoculatedintraperitoneally with an immunogenic amount of the peptide and thenboosted with similar amounts of the immunogenic peptide. Spleens orlymphoid tissue is collected from the immunized mice a few days afterthe final boostand a cell suspension is prepared therefrom for use inthe fusion.

Hybridomas may be prepared from the splenocytes or lymphoid tissue and atumor (myeloma) partner using the general somatic cell hybridizationtechnique of Koehler, B. and Milstein, C., Nature, 256:495-497 (1975)and of Koehler, B. et al., Eur. J. Immunol., 6:511-519 (1976). Suitablemyeloma cells for this purpose are those which fuse efficiently, supportstable, high-level expression of antibody by the selectedantibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a medium such as HATmedium. Among these, suitable myeloma cell lines are murine myelomalines, such as those derived from MOPC-21 and MOPC-11 mouse tumorsavailable from the Salk Institute, Cell Distribution Center, San Diego,Calif., USA, or P3×63-Ag8.653 (653) and Sp2/0-Ag14 (SP2/0) myeloma linesavailable from the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md.,USA, under ATCC CRL Nos. 1580 and 1581, respectively.

Basically, the technique may involve fusing the appropriate tumor cellsand splenocytes or lymphoid tissue using a fusogen such as polyethyleneglycol. After the fusion the cells are separated from the fusion mediumand grown on a selective growth medium, such as HAT medium, to eliminateunhybridized parent cells and to select only those hybridomas that areresistant to the medium and immortal. The hybridomas may be expanded, ifdesired, and supernatants may be assayed by conventional immunoassayprocedures (e.g., radioimmunoassay, enzyme immunoassay, or fluorescenceimmunoassay) using the immunizing agent as antigen. Positive clones maybe characterized further to determine whether they meet the criteria ofthe antibodies of the invention. For example, the antigen-bindingability of the antibodies may be evaluated in vitro by immunoblots,ELISAs and antigen neutralizing tests.

An example of a suitable procedure for making a hybrid cell line thatsecretes human antibodies against the amino acid genetic markers issomatic cell hybridization using a mouse×human parent hybrid cell lineand a human cell line producing sufficiently high levels of suchantibodies. The human cell line may be obtained from volunteersimmunized with the peptide(s) described above. The human cell line maybe transformed with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as described, for example,by Foung, et al., J. Immunol. Methods, 70:83-90 (1984).

When EBV transformation is employed, the most successful approaches havebeen either to pre-select the population of B cells to be transformed orto post-select the antigen-specific transformed populations by panningor rosetting techniques, as described by Kozbar, et al., Scan. J.Immunol., 10:187-194 (1979) and Steinitz, et al., J. Clin. Lab. Immun.,2:1-7 (1979). EBV transformation has been combined with cell fusion togenerate human monoclonal antibodies (see, e.g., Foung et al., J. Immun.Meth., 70:83-90 (1984)), due to instability of immunoglobulin secretionby hybridomas when compared to EBV lymphoblastoid cell lines, and higherfrequencies of rescue of the antigen-specific populations. EBV mostfrequently infects and transforms IgM-bearing B cells, but B cellssecreting other classes of Ig can also be made into long-term linesusing the EBV fusion technique, as described by Brown and Miller, J.Immunol., 128:24-29 (1982).

The cell lines which produce the monoclonal antibodies may be grown invitro in suitable culture medium such as Iscove's medium, Dulbecco'sModified Eagle's Medium, or RPMI-1640 medium from Gibco, Grand Island,N.Y., or in vivo in syngeneic or immunodeficient laboratory animals. Ifdesired, the antibody may be separated from the culture medium or bodyfluid, as the case may be, by conventional techniques such as ammoniumsulfate precipitation, hydroxyapatite chromatography, ion exchangechromatography, affinity chromatography, electrophoresis,microfiltration, and ultracentrifugation.

The antibodies herein may be used to detect the presence or absence ofone or more of the amino acid mutations described herein as associatedwith LQT syndrome, SQT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and progressiveconduction disease. The cells may be incubated in the presence of theantibody, and the presence or absence and/or degree of reaction(antibody-peptide binding) can be determined by any of a variety ofmethods used to determine or quantitate antibody/antigen interactions(e.g., fluorescence, enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), and cell killingusing antibody and complement by standard methods). The antibodyemployed is preferably a monoclonal antibody.

For use in solid phase immunoassays, the antibodies employed in thepresent invention can be immobilized on any appropriate solid testsupport by any appropriate technique. The solid test support can be anysuitable insoluble carrier material for the binding of antibodies inimmunoassays. Many such materials are known in the art, including, butnot limited to, nitrocellulose sheets or filters; agarose, resin,plastic (e.g., PVC or polystyrene) latex, or metal beads; plasticvessels; and the like. Many methods of immobilizing antibodies are alsoknown in the art. See, e.g., Silman et al., Ann. Rev. Biochem., 35:873(1966); Melrose, Rev. Pure & App. Chem., 21:83 (1971); Cuatrecafas, etal., Meth. Enzym., Vol. 22 (1971). Such methods include covalentcoupling, direct adsorption, physical entrapment, and attachment to aprotein-coated surface. In the latter method, the surface is firstcoated with a water-insoluble protein such as zein, collagen,fibrinogen, keratin, glutelin, etc. The antibody is attached by simplycontacting the protein-coated surface with an aqueous solution of theantibody and allowing it to dry.

Any combination of support and binding technique which leaves theantibody immunoreactive, yet sufficiently immobilizes the antibody sothat it can be retained with any bound antigen during a washing, can beemployed in the present invention. A preferred solid test support is aplastic bead.

In the sandwich immunoassay, a labeled antibody is employed to measurethe amount of antigen bound by the immobilized monoclonal antibody. Thelabel can be any type that allows for the detection of the antibody whenbound to a support. Generally, the label directly or indirectly resultsin a signal which is measurable and related to the amount of labelpresent in the sample. For example, directly measurable labels caninclude radiolabels (e.g., ¹²⁵I, ³⁵S, ¹⁴C, etc.). A preferred directlymeasurable label is an enzyme, conjugated to the antibody, whichproduces a color reaction in the presence of the appropriate substrate(e.g., horseradish peroxidase/o-phenylenediamine). An example of anindirectly measurable label would be antibody that has beenbiotinylated. The presence of this label is measured by contacting itwith a solution containing a labeled avidin complex, whereby the avidinbecomes bound to the biotinylated antibody. The label associated withthe avidin is then measured. A preferred example of an indirect label isthe avidin/biotin system employing an enzyme conjugated to the avidin,the enzyme producing a color reaction as described above. It is to beunderstood, however, that the term “label” is used in its broadest senseand can include, for example, employing “labeled” antibodies where thelabel is a xenotypic or isotypic difference from the immobilizedantibody, so that the presence of “labeled” antibodies is detectable byincubation with an anti-xenotypic or anti-isotypic antibody carrying adirectly detectable label.

Whatever label is selected, it results in a signal which can be measuredand is related to the amount of label in a sample. Common signals areradiation levels (when radioisotopes are used), optical density (e.g.,when enzyme color reactions are used), and fluorescence (whenfluorescent compounds are used). It is preferred to employ anonradioactive signal, such as optical density (or color intensity)produced by an enzyme reaction. Numerous enzyme/substrate combinationsare known in the immunoassay art which can produce a suitable signal.See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,323,647 and 4,190,496, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein.

For diagnostic use, the antibodies may typically be distributed inmulticontainer kit form. These kits will typically contain theantibody(ies) in labeled or unlabeled form in suitable containers, anydetectable ligand reactive with unlabeled antibody if it is used,reagents for the incubations and washings if necessary, reagents fordetecting the label moiety to be detected, such as substrates orderivatizing agents depending on the nature of the label, productinserts and instructions, and a positive control associated with LQTsyndrome, SQT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and progressive conductiondisease. The antibodies in the kit may be affinity purified if they arepolyclonal.

The following examples are included for purposes of illustrating certainaspects of the invention. Accordingly, the examples should not beconstrued as limiting the subject matter of the present invention.

EXAMPLE I KCNH2 Mutations

1. Clinical Evaluation

Family 30-371 (FIG. 1), having 23 members, displayed a high incidence ofsudden death. The proband (III-2) was referred due to frequentpalpitations. Her ECG displayed a QT interval of 270 msec. Her daughter(IV-5) had a QT interval of 260 msec, but was asymptomatic. Theproband's nephew (V-3) had a history of syncope and had a QT interval of240 msec. The proband's sister (III-1), who had a QT of 210 msec andsuffered from atrial fibrillation, died suddenly at age 62; her mother(II-3) died suddenly at age 45 and her nephew died suddenly withdocumented ventricular fibrillation at age 26 (IV-1). Eight livingfamily members underwent a complete physical examination and a 12-leadECG as part of their initial clinical work-up. Three presented with ashort QT interval and were evaluated with additional tests, includingMRI. Two of the affected individuals underwent an electrophysiologicalstudy.

Family 30-335, having 16 individuals, included three patients referredfor palpitations, syncope and sudden death in one They also underwentextensive work-up including MRI and two underwent electrophysiologicalstudy. Three of the 16 members were affected with short QT syndrome. Theproband (IV-2) was referred for history of syncope during exertion andparoxysmal atrial fibrillation. His QT interval ranged from 240 msec to280 msec. His sister (IV-1) had a long history of palpitations and a QTinterval between 220 and 250 msec. Her son (V-1), 6 years old, hadsuffered aborted sudden death at age 8 months, and had severeneurological damage. His ECG showed a QT interval ranging from 240 to260 msec. Family history was significant for the death of the probands'brother (IV-3), when he was 3 months old, and their father who diedsuddenly at age 39 (III-2). Autopsy showed a normal heart in both. Therewere three other members who died suddenly.

2. Genetic Analysis

Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes using acommercial kit (Gentra System, Puregene). Haplotype segregation analysiswas performed in family 30-371 by amplification of highly polymorphicmarkers (Linkage mapping set 2.5 Applied Biosystems) flanking thecandidate genes with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thosegenes that were segregating with the affected individuals were furtheranalyzed.

The exons of KCNH2 were amplified and analyzed by direct sequencingusing the primers set forth below. PCR products were purified with acommercial reagent (ExoSAP-IT™, USB) and were directly sequenced fromboth directions with the use of ABI PRISM 3100-Avant™ Automatic DNASequencer. Seq. PRIMERS FOR Id. KCNH2 SCREENING No. KCNH2 EXON 1GGCAGACAGGTGTGCCGG 103 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 1 CCATCCACACTCGGAAGAG 104ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 2 CTGTGTGAGTGGAGAATGTG 105 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 2GTGGTCCCGCCCCTCTTGAC 106 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 3 CTTGGGTTCCAGGGTCCATC 107SENSE KCNH2 EXON 3 GACCTTGGACAGCTCACAG 108 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 4GTCCATTTCCCAGGCCTTG 109 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 4 GACGTAGTGAAAAGGTCAGAAG 110ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 5 GTCTCCACTCTCGATCTATG 111 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 5CCCGGCTCTGGATCACAG 112 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 6 CAGAGATGTCATCGCTCCTG 113SENSE KCNH2 EXON 6 CACTACCTCCCACCACATTC 114 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 7CTTGCCCCATCAACGGAATG 115 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 7 CTAGCAGCCTCAGTTTCCTC 116ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 8 CTGAGACTGAGACACTGAC 117 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 8GTCCTTACTACTGACTGTGAC 118 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 9 CTGGAGGTTGAGATTTCTCTG119 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 9 GAAGGCTCGCACCTCTTGAG 120 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 10GTGCCTGCTGCCTGGATG 121 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 10 CATTCAATGTCACACAGCAAAG 122ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 11 CTGTGTTAAGGAGGGAGCTTG 123 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 11GCCTGGGTAAAGCAGACAC 124 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 12 CTCCTCTCTGTTCTCCTCC 125SENSE KCNH2 EXON 12 CAGAGAGCAGAGCTGGGTG 126 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 13CTGTCAGGTATCCCGGGC 127 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 13 CAGGACCTGGACCAGACTC 128ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 14 GTGGAGGCTGTCACTGGTG 129 SENSE KCNH2 EXON 14GAAAGGCAGCAAAGCAGGTTTG 130 ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON 15 GTTCTCCTGCCCCTTTCCC131 A SENSE KCNH2 EXON 15 CTTTCGAGTTCCTCTCCCC 132 A ANTISENSE KCNH2 EXON15 CAGTGTGGACACGTGGCTC 133 B SENSE KCNH2 EXON 15 CTATGCATGTCCAGACAGGAAC134 B ANTISENSE3. Site-Directed Mutagenesis

C1764A mutation was constructed with the use of GeneTailor™site-directed mutagenesis system (Invitrogen Corp) with the use ofplasmid pcDNA3.1 containing KCNH2 cDNA. The primers for were thefollowing: 1764F (5′-GACTCACGCATCGGCTGGCTGCACAAACTG (Seq. Id. No. 7)GGCGACCAG-3′) and 1764R (5′-GTGCAGCCAGCCGATGCGTGAGTCCATGTG (Seq. Id. No.8) T-3′).

The mutated plasmid was sequenced to ensure the presence of the C1764Amutation, as well as the absence of other substitutions introduced bythe DNA polymerase.

4. In-Vitro Transcription and Mammalian Cell Transfection

KCNH2 and KCNE2 were a kind gift from Drs. A. M Brown (Chantest,Cleveland, Ohio) and S. A. Goldstein (Yale University, New Haven,Conn.), respectively. Both gene constructs were re-cloned from theiroriginal vector into pcDNA3.1 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Fortransfection, KCNH2 and KCNE2 cDNA were kept at a constant molar ratioof 1:20 to ensure proper expression of both subunits. Modified humanembryonic kidney cells (TSA201) were co-transected with the same amountsof pcDNA-KCNH2/KCNE2 and pcDNA-N588K.KCNE2 complex using the calciumphosphate precipitation method. Cells were grown on polylysine coated 35mm culture dishes and placed in a temperature-controlled chamber forelectrophysiological study (Medical Systems, Greenvale N.Y.) 2 dayspost-transfection.

5. Electrophysiology

Standard whole cell patch clamp technique was used to measure currentsin transfected TSA201 cells. All recordings were made at roomtemperature using an Axopatch 1D amplifier equipped with a CV-4 1/100headstage (Axon Instruments). Cells were superfused with HEPES-bufferedsolution containing (in mmol/L): 130 NaCl, 5 KCl, 1.8 CaCl₂, 1. MgCl₂,2.8 Na acetate, 10 Hepes, pH 7.3 with NaOH/HCl. Patch pipettes werepulled from borosilicate (7740) or flint glass (1161) (PP89 NarahigeJapan) to have resistances between 2 and 4 MΩ when filled with asolution containing (in mmol/L): 20 KCl, 120 KF, 1.0 MgCl₂, 10 HEPES andEGTA, pH 7.2 (KOH/HCl). Currents were filtered with a four pole Besselfilter at 0.5 to 1 kHz, digitized at 1 kHz and stored on the hard diskof an IBM compatible computer. All data acquisition and analysis wasperformed using the suite of pCLAMP programs V7 or V6 (Axon Instruments,CA).

EXAMPLE II SCN5A and KCNQ1 Mutations

1. Genetic Analysis

Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes using acommercial kit (Gentra System, Puregene). Haplotype segregation analysiswas performed in family 30-371 by amplification of highly polymorphicmarkers (Linkage mapping set 2.5 Applied Biosystems) flanking thecandidate genes with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thosegenes that were segregating with the affected individuals were furtheranalyzed.

The exons of SCN5A and KCNQ1 were amplified and analyzed by directsequencing using the primers set forth below. PCR products were purifiedwith a commercial reagent (ExoSAP-IT™, USB) and were directly sequencedfrom both directions with the use of ABI PRISM 3100-Avant™ Automatic DNASequencer. Seq. Id. No. PRIMERS FOR SCN5A SCREENING SCN5A EXON 2GGTCTGCCCACCCTGCTCTCT 9 SENSE SCN5A EXON 2 CCTCTTCCCCCTCTGCTCCATT 10ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 3 AGTCCAAGGGCTCTGAGCCAA 11 SENSE SCN5A EXON 3GGTACTCAGCAGGTATTAACTGCAA 12 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 4GGTAGCACTGTCCTGGCAGTGAT 13 SENSE SCN5A EXON 4 CCTGGACTCAAGTCCCCTTC 14ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 5 TCACTCCACGTAAGGAACCTG 15 SENSE SCN5A EXON 5ATGTGGACTGCAGGGAGGAAGC 16 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 6 CCTTTCCTCCTCTCACTGTCTGT17 SENSE SCN5A EXON 6 GGTATTCTGGTGACAGGCACATTC 18 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 7CCACCTCTGGTTGCCTACACTG 19 SENSE SCN5A EXON 7 GTCTGCGGTCTCACAAAGTCTTC 20ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 8 CGAGTGCCCCTCACCAGCATG 21 SENSE SCN5A EXON 8GGAGACTCCCCTGGCAGGACAA 22 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 9 GGGAGACAAGTCCAGCCCAGCAA23 SENSE SCN5A EXON 9 AGCCCACACTTGCTGTCCCTTG 24 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 10ACTTGGAAATGCCCTCACCCAGA 25 SENSE SCN5A EXON 10 CACCTATAGGCACCATCAGTCAG26 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 11 AAACGTCCGTTCCTCCACTCT 27 SENSE SCN5A EXON 11AACCCACAGCTGGGATTACCATT 28 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 12AGCCAGTGGCTCAAAAGACAGGCT 29 SENSE SCN5A EXON 12A CCTGGGCACTGGTCCGGCGCA 30ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 12B CACCACACATCACTGCTGGTGC 31 SENSE SCN5A EXON 12BGGAACTGCTGATCAGTTTGGGAGA 32 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 13CCCTTTTCCCCAGCTGACGCAAA 33 SENSE SCN5A EXON 13 GTCTAAAGCAGGCCAAGACAAATG34 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 14 CAGGAAGGTATTCCAGTTACATATGA 35 SENSE SCN5AEXON 14 ACCCATGAAGCTGTGCCAGCTGT 36 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 15CTTTCCTATCCCAAACAATACCT 37 SENSE SCN5A EXON 15 CCCCACCATCCCCCATGCAGT 38ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 16 GAGCCAGAGACCTTCACAAGGTCCCCT 39 SENSE SCN5A EXON16 CCCTTGCCACTTACCACAAG 40 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 17AGGGACTGGATGGCTTGGCATGGT 41 SENSE SCN5A EXON 17A CGGGGAGTAGGGGGTGGCAATG42 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 17B GCCCAGGGCCAGCTGCCCAGCT 43 SENSE SCN5A EXON17B CTGTATATGTAGGTGCCTTATACATG 44 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 18AGGGTCTAAACCCCCAGGGTCA 45 SENSE SCN5A EXON 18 CCCAGCTGGCTTCAGGGACAAA 46ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 19 GAGGCCAAAGGCTGCTACTCAG 47 SENSE SCN5A EXON 19CCTGTCCCCTCTGGGTGGAACT 48 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 20 ACAGGCCCTGAGGTGGGCCTGA49 SENSE SCN5A EXON 20 TGACCTGACTTTCCAGCTGGAGA 50 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON21 TCCAGGCTTCATGTCCACCTGTCT 51 SENSE SCN5A EXON 21 TCTCCCGCACCGGCAATGGGT52 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 22 AGTGGGGAGCTGTTCCCATCCT 53 SENSE SCN5A EXON 22GGACCGCCTCCCACTCC 54 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 23 TTGAAAAGGAAATGTGCTCTGGG 55SENSE SCN5A EXON 23 AACATCATGGGTGATGGCCAT 56 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 24CTCAAGCGAGGTACAGAATTAAATGA 57 SENSE SCN5A EXON 24GGGCTTTCAGATGCAGACACTGAT 58 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 25GCCTGTCTGATCTCCCTGTGTGA 59 SENSE SCN5A EXON 25 CCTGTCTGGTCTCCCTGTGTCA 60ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 26 CCATGCTGGGGCCTCTGAGAAC 61 SENSE SCN5A EXON 26GGCTCTGATGGCTGGCCATGTG 62 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 27 CCCAGCGAGCACTTTCCATTTG63 SENSE SCN5A EXON 27 GCTTCTCCGTCCAGCTGACTTGTA 64 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON28A TGCACAGTGATGCTGGCTGGAA 65 SENSE SCN5A EXON 28AGAAGAGGCACAGCATGCTGTTGG 66 ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 28BAAGTGGGAGGCTGGCATCGAC 67 SENSE SCN5A EXON 28B GTCCCCACTCACCATGGGCAG 68ANTISENSE SCN5A EXON 28C GTCCTGTCTGACTTTGCCGAC 69 SENSE SCN5A EXON 28CCATTTCTTACTCCCAAAGCCAG 70 ANTISENSE PRIMERS FOR KCNQ1 SCREENING KCNQ1EXON 1 CTTGAGTGTGGAGGAGATAAGC 71 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 1CAAATTCCCGAGAGCCAGAAAC 72 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 2 CAGGTGCATCTGTGGGATG 73SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 2 GGACCAATGTGTGGGCAAG 74 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 3GTTCAAACAGGTTGCAGGGTC 75 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 3 CTTAGGGGACTCCATCTGGTAG 76ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 4 GTGTATGCTCTTCCCTGGG 77 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 4GCATCTGAGCAAGGTGGATG 78 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 5 CGTGAACAGCTGAGCCCAG 79SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 5 CATCTCAAGCTGTCCTAGTGTG 80 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 6GACTCGCTGCCTTAGGCG 81 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 6 GAAGTCTCAAGACACCAGTG 82ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 7 CATCAGAGTGGTGGGTTTG 83 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 7CTGAACGTAAGTGGGTCTG 84 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 8 CAACGGTGACCGGTAACCAC 85SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 8 CTGGATGCAACAATAACAGTGAC 86 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 9GAGCTGTAGCTTCCATAAGG 87 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 9 CTGTACCAAGCCAAATGCATG 88ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 10 CTGTCCGGGTGTATGTGGC 89 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 10CAAAAAAGGCAGTGACCTTC 90 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 11 CACAGCACTGGCAGGTTG 91SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 11 GGCCAGAGAGCAAGGCTTC 92 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 12CAGTCTGCGTGCTCCTCAG 93 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 12 CCTTGACACCCTCCACTATG 94ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 13 CAGGTCTTCACAAGCCTCC 95 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 13GTTGAGAGGCAAGAACTCAG 96 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 14 CAAGCTGTCTGTCCCACAG 97SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 14 CTGGCTTTCATTTCATGTCATG 98 ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 15GTAGGTTTAGGCATTTTGACTC 99 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 15 CTTCACGTTCACACGCAGAC 100ANTISENSE KCNQ1 EXON 16 CTGAGGCTGTCTGCACAC 101 SENSE KCNQ1 EXON 16GTGGCCTCCTTCAGAGAG 102 ANTISENSE2. In Vitro Transcription and Mammalian Cell Transfection Geneconstructs were re-cloned from their original vector into pcDNA3.1(Invitrogen Carlsbad, Calif.). F532C mutation was constructed with theGeneTailor™ site-directed mutagenesis system (Invitrogen Corp) onplasmid pcDNA3.1 containing the appropriate primers. The mutated plasmidwas sequenced to ensure the presence of mutation without spurioussubstitutions. Modified human embryonic kidney cells (TSA201) wereco-transected with the same amounts of pcDNA using the calcium phosphateprecipitation method. Cells were grown on polylysine coated 35 mmculture dishes and placed in a temperature-controlled chamber forelectrophysiological study (Medical Systems, Greenvale N.Y.) 2 dayspost-transfection.3. Electrophysiology

Voltage clamp recordings were made using patch pipettes fabricated fromborosilicate glass capillaries (1.5 mm O.D., Fisher Scientific,Pittsburg, Pa.). The pipettes were pulled using a gravity puller(Narashige Corp.) and filled with pipette solution of the followingcomposition (mM): 10 KCl, 105 CsF, 10 NaCl, 10 HEPES, 10 EGTA and 5TEACl, pH=7.2 with CsOH. The pipette resistance ranged from 0.8-2.8 MOwhen filled with the internal solution. The perfusion solution contained(mM): 130 NaCl, 5 KCl, 1.8 CaCl₂, 1.0 MgCl₂, 2.8 Na acetate, 10 HEPES,10 glucose, pH=7.3 with NaOH. Current signals were recorded using aMultiClamp 700A amplifier (Axon Instruments Inc., Foster City, Calif.)and series resistance errors were reduced by about 60-70% withelectronic compensation. All signals were acquired at 20-50 kHz(Digidata 1322, Axon Instruments) and analyzed with a microcomputerrunning pClamp 9 software (Axon Instruments, Foster City, Calif.). Allrecordings were made at room temperature.

EXAMPLE III Correlation of Gene Mutation to Syndrome

Using the techniques described above, the following mutations were shownto correspond with the indicated clinical conditions: Patient FAMILYChannel Exon Aminoacid position BRUGADA SYNDROME RB4901 24-310 SCN5A 28C1727 R RB5145 24-345 SCN5A 3 R104W RB5037 24-328 SCN5A 16 insertionTG(851) RB4665 24-064 SCN5A 16 R878C RB5151 24-JPN3 SCN5A 12 F532C RB601124-365 SCN5A 16 L917R RB6130 33-433 SCN5A 6, 22 V232I + L1307F RB05424-011 SCN5A 27splice28 deletion(E1573-G1604) RB5029 24-284 SCN5A 14A735V RB6237 24-483 SCN5A 27 E1573K RB6026 24-372 SCN5A 5 R179 stopRB6179 25-440 SCN5A 10 E446K RB6181 25-442 SCN5A 10 G400A RB6267 24-492SCN5A 16 H886P RB6042 24-347 SCN5A 9, 28 P336L, I1659V RB4060 24-096SCN5A 28 Y1614 stop codon RB4510 SCN5A 6 T220I LONG QT SYNDROME RB602425-JPN1 KCNQ1 3 G189W RB6301 25-499 KCNH2 5 R356H RB6087 25-387 SCN5A 19S1134I RB6188 25-449 KCNH2 9 C deletion (764) RB6194 25-454 KCNH2 6W398stopcodon SHORT QT SYNDROME RB6019 30-371 KCNH2 7 N588K PROGRESSIVECONDUCTION DISEASE RB6325 25-510 SCN5A 17 P1008S

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments and examples disclosed herein. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, merely asexemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art mayenvision other modifications within the spirit and scope of the claimsappended hereto.

1. An isolated nucleic acid encoding a mutant KCNH2 proteincorresponding to wild-type human KCNH2 protein (Seq. Id. No. 5), themutant KCNH2 protein having at least one mutation selected from thegroup consisting of N588K, R356H, a C deletion at 764, and a W398 stopcodon.
 2. An isolated nucleic acid according to claim 1 wherein thenucleic acid has a sequence corresponding to that of wild-type humanKCNH2 cDNA (Seq. Id. No. 6) with a C to A substitution at nucleotide1764.
 3. An isolated nucleic acid according to claim 1 wherein thenucleic acid has a sequence corresponding to that of wild-type humanKCNH2 cDNA (Seq. Id. No. 6) with a C to G substitution at nucleotide1764.
 4. An isolated nucleic acid encoding a mutant SCN5A proteincorresponding to wild-type human SCN5A protein (Seq. Id. No. 3), themutant SCN5A protein having at least one mutation selected from thegroup consisting of R104W, R179 stop, T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V,R878C, H886P, L917R, P1008S, S1134I, E1573K, C1727R, V232I+L1307F,P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, insertion of TG at 851, and deletion ofE1573-G1604.
 5. An isolated nucleic acid encoding a mutant KCNQ1 proteincorresponding to wild-type human KCNQ1 protein (Seq. Id. No. 1), themutant KCNQ1 protein comprising the following mutation: G1189W.
 6. Anisolated mutant KCNH2 protein corresponding to wild-type human KCNH2protein (Seq. Id. No. 5), the mutant KCNH2 protein having at least onemutation selected from the group consisting of N588K, R356H, a Cdeletion at 764, and a W398 stop codon.
 7. An isolated mutant SCN5Aprotein corresponding to wild-type human SCN5A protein (Seq. Id. No. 3),the mutant SCN5A protein having at least one mutation selected from thegroup consisting of R104W, R179 stop, T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V,R878C, H886P, L917R, P1008S, S1134I, E1573K, C1727R, V232I+L1307F,P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, insertion of TG at 851, and deletion ofE1573-G1604.
 8. An isolated mutant KCNQ1 protein corresponding towild-type human KCNQ1 protein (Seq. Id. No. 1), the mutant KCNQ1 proteincomprising the following mutation: G189W.
 9. A method for determiningwhether a subject expired from or is predisposed to sudden cardiac deathcomprising: (i) obtaining a biological sample from a subject; (ii)contacting the sample with a reagent that selectively associates withthe nucleic acid of claim 1 or the KCNH2 protein encoded by the nucleicacid of claim 1, wherein the reagent does not selectively associate withnucleic acid encoding the wild-type KCNH2 protein, or the wild-typeKCNH2 protein; and (iii) detecting reagent that selectively associateswith the sample, thereby determining whether the subject expired from oris predisposed to sudden cardiac death.
 10. A method according to claim9, wherein the reagent is an antibody.
 11. A method according to claim9, wherein the reagent is a nucleic acid that hybridizes to the nucleicacid of claim 1 under stringent conditions.
 12. A method according toclaim 9, wherein detecting the reagent includes amplifying a signal tofacilitate detection.
 13. A method according to claim 9, wherein theregent associates with the KCNH2 protein encoded by the nucleic acid ofclaim
 1. 14. A method according to claim 9 wherein the reagent iscontained on a microarray.
 15. A method for determining whether asubject expired from or is predisposed to sudden cardiac deathcomprising: (i) obtaining a biological sample from a subject; (ii)contacting the sample with a reagent that selectively associates withthe nucleic acid of claim 4 or the SCN5A protein encoded by the nucleicacid of claim 4, wherein the reagent does not selectively associate withnucleic acid encoding the wild-type SCN5A protein, or the wild-typeSCN5A protein; and (iii) detecting reagent that selectively associateswith the sample, thereby determining whether the subject expired from oris predisposed to sudden cardiac death.
 16. A method according to claim15, wherein the reagent is an antibody.
 17. A method according to claim15, wherein the reagent is a nucleic acid that hybridizes to the nucleicacid of claim 4 under stringent conditions.
 18. A method according toclaim 15, wherein detecting the reagent includes amplifying a signal tofacilitate detection.
 19. A method according to claim 15, wherein theregent associates with the SCN5A protein encoded by the nucleic acid ofclaim
 4. 20. A method according to claim 15 wherein the reagent iscontained on a microarray.
 21. A method for determining whether asubject expired from or is predisposed to sudden cardiac deathcomprising: (i) obtaining a biological sample from a subject; (ii)contacting the sample with a reagent that selectively associates withthe nucleic acid of claim 5 or the KCNQ1 protein encoded by the nucleicacid of claim 5, wherein the reagent does not selectively associate withnucleic acid encoding the wild-type KCNQ1 protein, or the wild-typeKCNQ1 protein; and (iii) detecting reagent that selectively associateswith the sample, thereby determining whether the subject expired from oris predisposed to sudden cardiac death.
 22. A method according to claim21, wherein the reagent is an antibody.
 23. A method according to claim21, wherein the reagent is a nucleic acid that hybridizes to the nucleicacid of claim 5 under stringent conditions.
 24. A method according toclaim 21, wherein detecting the reagent includes amplifying a signal tofacilitate detection.
 25. A method according to claim 21, wherein theregent associates with the KCNQ1 protein encoded by the nucleic acid ofclaim
 5. 26. A method according to claim 21 wherein the reagent iscontained on a microarray.
 27. A nucleic acid probe which selectivelyhybridizes to the isolated nucleic acid of claim 1 but does not bind towild-type KCNH2 under high stringency conditions.
 28. A nucleic acidprobe which selectively hybridizes to the isolated nucleic acid of claim4 but does not bind to wild-type SCN5A under high stringency conditions.29. A nucleic acid probe which selectively hybridizes to the isolatednucleic acid of claim but does not bind to wild-type KCNQ1 under highstringency conditions.
 30. A method for detecting a mutation in theKCNH2 protein, the mutation selected from the group consisting of N588K,R356H, a C deletion at 764 and a W398 stop which comprises analyzing asequence of the KCNH2 protein or KCNH2 nucleic acid from a biologicalsample and determining if any of N588K, R356H, a C deletion at 764 or aW398 stop is present in the KCNH2 protein in the sample or if nucleicacid encoding any of N588K, R356H, a C deletion at 764 or a W398 stopmutation of KCNH2 protein is present in the sample.
 31. A methodaccording to claim 30 wherein the nucleic acid is selected from thegroup consisting of RNA, cDNA and genomic DNA.
 32. A method fordetecting a mutation in the SCN5A protein, the mutation selected fromthe group consisting of R104W, R179 stop, T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C,A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, P1008S, S1134I, E1573K, C1727R,V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, insertion of TG at 851, anddeletion of E1573-G1604 which comprises analyzing a sequence of theSCN5A protein or SCN5A nucleic acid from a biological sample anddetermining if any of R104W, R179 stop, T2201, G400A, E446K, F532C,A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, P1008S, S1134I, E1573K, C1727R,V2321+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, insertion of TG at 851, anddeletion of E1573-G1604 is present in the SCN5A protein in the sample orif nucleic acid encoding any of R104W, R179 stop, T2201, G400A, E446K,F532C, A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, P1008S, S1134I, E1573K, C1727R,V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, insertion of TG at 851, anddeletion of E1573-G1604 mutation of SCN5A protein is present in thesample.
 33. A method according to claim 32 wherein the nucleic acid isselected from the group consisting of RNA, cDNA and genomic DNA.
 34. Amethod for detecting a G189W mutation in the KCNQ1 protein whichcomprises analyzing a sequence of the KCNQ1 protein or KCNQ1 nucleicacid from a biological sample and determining if G189W is present in theKCNQ1 protein in the sample or if nucleic acid encoding a G189W mutationof KCNQ1 protein is present in the sample.
 35. A method according toclaim 34 wherein the nucleic acid is selected from the group consistingof RNA, cDNA and genomic DNA.
 36. A method of assessing a risk in asubject for short QT syndrome which comprises screening said subject fora mutation in KCNH2 nucleic acid by determining whether the KCNH2nucleic acid or its expression products isolated from a tissue sample ofsaid subject contains a N588K mutation, wherein the presence of saidmutation in the sequence of the subject indicates a risk for short QTsyndrome.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein said expression product ismRNA of said KCNH2 or a polypeptide encoded by nucleic acid encodingKCNH2.
 38. The method of claim 36 wherein one or more of the followingprocedures is carried out: (a) observing shifts in electrophoreticmobility of single-stranded DNA from said sample on non-denaturingpolyacrylamide gels; (b) hybridizing a probe to genomic DNA isolatedfrom said sample under conditions suitable for hybridization of saidprobe to said KCNH2; (c) determining hybridization of an allele-specificprobe to genomic DNA from said sample; (d) amplifying all or part ofsaid KCNH2 from said sample to produce an amplified sequence andsequencing the amplified sequence; (e) determining by nucleic acidamplification the presence of a specific mutant allele in said sample;(f) molecularly cloning all or part of said KCNH2 from said sample toproduce a cloned sequence and sequencing the cloned sequence; (g)determining whether there is a mismatch between molecules (1) said KCNH2genomic DNA or mRNA isolated from said sample, and (2) a nucleic acidprobe complementary to the human wild-type KCNH2 nucleic acid, whenmolecules (1) and (2) are hybridized to each other to form a duplex; (h)amplification of said KCNH2 sequences in said sample and hybridizationof the amplified sequences to nucleic acid probes which comprisewild-type gene sequences; (i) amplification of said KCNH2 sequences insaid tissue and hybridization of the amplified sequences to nucleic acidprobes which comprise said mutant KCNH2 sequences; (O) determining insitu hybridization of said KCNH2 in said sample with one or more nucleicacid probes which comprise said KCNH2 sequence or a mutant sequence ofsaid KCNH2; (k) immunoblotting; (l) immunocytochemistry; and (m)assaying for binding interactions between a KCNH2 polypeptide isolatedfrom said tissue and a binding partner capable of specifically bindingthe polypeptide expression product of a mutant allele and/or a bindingpartner for the polypeptide.
 39. A method of assessing a risk in asubject for Brugada syndrome which comprises screening said subject fora mutation in SCN5A nucleic acid by determining whether the SCN5Anucleic acid or its expression products isolated from a tissue sample ofsaid subject contains at least one mutation selected from the groupconsisting of R104W, R179 stop, T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V,R878C, H886P, L917R, P1008S, S134I, E1573K, C1727R, V232I+L1307F,P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, insertion of TG at 851, and deletion ofE1573-G1604, wherein the presence of the at least one mutation in thesequence of the subject indicates a risk for Brugada syndrome.
 40. Themethod of claim 39 wherein said expression product is mRNA of said SCN5Aor a polypeptide encoded by nucleic acid encoding SCN5A.
 41. The methodof claim 39 wherein one or more of the following procedures is carriedout: (a) observing shifts in electrophoretic mobility of single-strandedDNA from said sample on non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels; (b)hybridizing a probe to genomic DNA isolated from said sample underconditions suitable for hybridization of said probe to said SCN5A; (c)determining hybridization of an allele-specific probe to genomic DNAfrom said sample; (d) amplifying all or part of said SCN5A from saidsample to produce an amplified sequence and sequencing the amplifiedsequence; (e) determining by nucleic acid amplification the presence ofa specific mutant allele in said sample; (f) molecularly cloning all orpart of said SCN5A from said sample to produce a cloned sequence andsequencing the cloned sequence; (g) determining whether there is amismatch between molecules (1) said SCN5A genomic DNA or mRNA isolatedfrom said sample, and (2) a nucleic acid probe complementary to thehuman wild-type SCN5A nucleic acid, when molecules (1) and (2) arehybridized to each other to form a duplex; (h) amplification of saidSCN5A sequences in said sample and hybridization of the amplifiedsequences to nucleic acid probes which comprise wild-type genesequences; (i) amplification of said SCN5A sequences in said tissue andhybridization of the amplified sequences to nucleic acid probes whichcomprise said mutant SCN5A sequences; (j) determining in situhybridization of said SCN5A in said sample with one or more nucleic acidprobes which comprise said SCN5A sequence or a mutant sequence of saidSCN5A; (k) immunoblotting; (l) immunocytochemistry; and (m) assaying forbinding interactions between a SCN5A polypeptide isolated from saidtissue and a binding partner capable of specifically binding thepolypeptide expression product of a mutant allele and/or a bindingpartner for the polypeptide.
 42. A method of assessing a risk in asubject for Long QT syndrome which comprises screening said subject forat least one mutation selected from the group consisting of G189W inKCNQ1, R356H in KCNH2, a C deletion at 764 of KCNH2, a W398 stop inKCNH2, and S1134I in SCN5A, by determining whether the nucleic acidencoding said mutation or its expression products isolated from a tissuesample of said subject contains the at least one mutation, wherein thepresence of the at least one mutation in the tissue sample of thesubject indicates a risk for Brugada syndrome.
 43. The method of claim42 wherein said expression product is mRNA of said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5Aor a polypeptide encoded by nucleic acid encoding KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A.44. The method of claim 42 wherein one or more of the followingprocedures is carried out: (a) observing shifts in electrophoreticmobility of single-stranded DNA from said sample on non-denaturingpolyacrylamide gels; (b) hybridizing a probe to genomic DNA isolatedfrom said sample under conditions suitable for hybridization of saidprobe to said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A; (c) determining hybridization of anallele-specific probe to genomic DNA from said sample; (d) amplifyingall or part of said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A from said sample to produce anamplified sequence and sequencing the amplified sequence; (e)determining by nucleic acid amplification the presence of a specificmutant allele in said sample; (f) molecularly cloning all or part ofsaid KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A from said sample to produce a cloned sequenceand sequencing the cloned sequence; (g) determining whether there is amismatch between molecules (1) said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A genomic DNA ormRNA isolated from said sample, and (2) a nucleic acid probecomplementary to the human wild-type KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A nucleic acid,when molecules (1) and (2) are hybridized to each other to form aduplex; (h) amplification of said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A sequences insaid sample and hybridization of the amplified sequences to nucleic acidprobes which comprise wild-type gene sequences; (i) amplification ofsaid KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A sequences in said tissue and hybridization ofthe amplified sequences to nucleic acid probes which comprise saidmutant KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A sequences; (j) determining in situhybridization of said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A in said sample with one ormore nucleic acid probes which comprise said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5Asequence or a mutant sequence of said KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A; (k)immunoblotting; (l) immunocytochemistry; and (m) assaying for bindinginteractions between a KCNQ1, KCNH2 or SCN5A polypeptide isolated fromsaid tissue and a binding partner capable of specifically binding thepolypeptide expression product of a mutant allele and/or a bindingpartner for the polypeptide.
 45. A method of assessing a risk in a humansubject for progressive conduction disease which comprises screeningsaid subject for a mutation in SCN5A nucleic acid by determining whetherthe SCN5A nucleic acid or its expression products isolated from a tissuesample of said subject contains a P1008S mutation, wherein said mutationin the sequence of the subject indicates a risk for progressiveconduction disease.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein said expressionproduct is mRNA of said SCN5A or a polypeptide encoded by nucleic acidencoding SCN5A.
 47. The method of claim 45 wherein one or more of thefollowing procedures is carried out: (a) observing shifts inelectrophoretic mobility of single-stranded DNA from said sample onnon-denaturing polyacrylamide gels; (b) hybridizing a probe to genomicDNA isolated from said sample under conditions suitable forhybridization of said probe to said SCN5A; (c) determining hybridizationof an allele-specific probe to genomic DNA from said sample; (d)amplifying all or part of said SCN5A from said sample to produce anamplified sequence and sequencing the amplified sequence; (e)determining by nucleic acid amplification the presence of a specificmutant allele in said sample; (f) molecularly cloning all or part ofsaid SCN5A from said sample to produce a cloned sequence and sequencingthe cloned sequence; (g) determining whether there is a mismatch betweenmolecules (1) said SCN5A genomic DNA or mRNA isolated from said sample,and (2) a nucleic acid probe complementary to the human wild-type SCN5Anucleic acid, when molecules (1) and (2) are hybridized to each other toform a duplex; (h) amplification of said SCN5A sequences in said sampleand hybridization of the amplified sequences to nucleic acid probeswhich comprise wild-type gene sequences; (i) amplification of said SCN5Asequences in said tissue and hybridization of the amplified sequences tonucleic acid probes which comprise said mutant SCN5A sequences; (j)determining in situ hybridization of said SCN5A in said sample with oneor more nucleic acid probes which comprise said SCN5A sequence or amutant sequence of said SCN5A; (k) immunoblotting; (l)immunocytochemistry; and (m) assaying for binding interactions between aSCN5A polypeptide isolated from said tissue and a binding partnercapable of specifically binding the polypeptide expression product of amutant allele and/or a binding partner for the polypeptide.
 48. A vectorcomprising the isolated nucleic acid of claim
 1. 49. A cell comprisingthe isolated nucleic acid of claim
 1. 50. A vector comprising theisolated nucleic acid of claim
 4. 51. A cell comprising the isolatednucleic acid of claim
 4. 52. A vector comprising the isolated nucleicacid of claim
 5. 53. A cell comprising the isolated nucleic acid ofclaim
 5. 54. An oligonucleotide that selectively hybridizes to a locusof the at least one mutation of the isolated nucleic acid of claim 1 butwill not hybridize to the corresponding wild-type nucleic acid.
 55. Anoligonucleotide that selectively hybridizes to a locus of the at leastone mutation of the isolated nucleic acid of claim 4 but will nothybridize to the corresponding wild-type nucleic acid.
 56. Anoligonucleotide that selectively hybridizes to a locus of the mutationof the isolated nucleic acid of claim 5 but will not hybridize to thecorresponding wild-type nucleic acid.
 57. An isolated antibody thatselectively binds to the mutant protein of claim 6 but does not bind towild-type KCNH2 protein.
 58. An isolated antibody according to claim 57wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody.
 59. An isolated antibodyaccording to claim 57 wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 60.An isolated antibody that selectively binds to the mutant protein ofclaim 7 but does not bind to wild-type SCN5A protein.
 61. An isolatedantibody according to claim 60 wherein the antibody is a polyclonalantibody.
 62. An isolated antibody according to claim 60 wherein theantibody is a monoclonal antibody.
 63. An isolated antibody thatselectively binds to the mutant protein of claim 8 but does not bind towild-type KCNQ1 protein.
 64. An isolated antibody according to claim 63wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody.
 65. An isolated antibodyaccording to claim 63 wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 66.A kit for detecting a mutant KCNH2 nucleic acid comprising anoligonucleotide according to claim
 54. 67. A kit for detecting a mutantSCN5A nucleic acid comprising an oligonucleotide according to claim 55.68. A kit for detecting a mutant KCNQ1 nucleic acid comprising anoligonucleotide according to claim
 56. 69. A kit for detecting a mutantKCNH2 protein comprising an antibody according to claim
 57. 70. A kitfor detecting a mutant SCN5A protein comprising an antibody according toclaim
 60. 71. A kit for detecting a mutant KCNQ1 protein comprising anantibody according to claim
 63. 72. A microarray comprising anoligonucleotide according to claim
 54. 73. A microarray comprising anoligonucleotide according to claim
 55. 74. A microarray comprising anoligonucleotide according to claim
 56. 75. A method for screening forcompounds that are useful in treating a subject with a mutation thatcauses short QT syndrome comprising: providing a subject who has beendiagnosed with short QT syndrome associated with a N588K mutant KCNH2protein; administering a pharmaceutically acceptable test compound; andcomparing the effect of the test compound on an electrocardiogram takenbefore administration of the compound with an electrocardiogram takenafter administration of the compound, wherein an alteration of the QTinterval to a more normal interval after administration indicates acompound useful in treating the subject.
 76. A method for screening forcompounds that are useful in treating a subject with a mutation thatcauses Brugada syndrome comprising: providing a subject who has beendiagnosed with Brugada syndrome associated with at least one of thefollowing mutations of the SCN5A protein: R104W, R179 stop, T220I,G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V, R878C, H886P, L917R, E1573K, C1727R,V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, deletion from E1573-G1604, andinsertion of TG at 851; administering a pharmaceutically acceptable testcompound, and comparing the effect of the test compound on anelectrocardiogram taken before administration of the compound with anelectrocardiogram taken after administration of the compound, wherein analteration of the ST segment to a more normal interval afteradministration indicates a compound useful in treating the subject. 77.A method for screening for compounds that are useful in treating asubject with a mutation that causes long QT syndrome comprising:providing a subject who has been diagnosed with long QT syndromeassociated with a G189W mutation of KCNQ 1, or at least one of thefollowing mutations of the KCNH2 protein: R356H, a C deletion at 764,and a W398 stop, or a S1134I mutation of the SCN5A protein;administering a pharmaceutically acceptable test compound, and comparingthe effect of the test compound on an electrocardiogram taken beforeadministration of the compound with an electrocardiogram taken afteradministration of the compound, wherein an alteration of the QT intervalto a more normal interval after administration indicates a compounduseful in treating the subject.
 78. A method for screening for compoundsthat are useful in treating a subject with a mutation that causesprogressive cardiac disease comprising: providing a subject who has beendiagnosed with progressive cardiac disease associated with a P1008Smutant SCN5A protein; administering a pharmaceutically acceptable testcompound; and comparing the effect of the test compound on anelectrocardiogram taken before administration of the compound with anelectrocardiogram taken after administration of the compound, wherein analteration of an electrocardiogram interval to more normal intervalafter administration indicates a compound useful in treating thesubject.
 79. A method identifying compounds which effect currents in acell containing a mutant KCNH2 protein comprising: providing a cellexpressing a N588K mutant KCNH2 protein in a bathing solution; measuringa first induced current; adding a test compound to the bathing solution;and measuring the effect of the compound on currents in the cell.
 80. Amethod identifying-compounds which effect currents in a cell containinga mutant SCN5A protein comprising: providing a cell expressing a SCN5Aprotein having at least one mutation selected from the group consistingof R104W, R179 stop, T220I, G400A, E446K, F532C, A735V, R878C, H886P,L917R, E1573K, C1727R, V232I+L1307F, P336L+I1659V, Y1614 stop, deletionfrom E1573-G1604, and insertion of TG at 851, in a bathing solution;measuring a first induced current in the cell; adding a test compound tothe bathing solution; and measuring the effect of the compound oncurrents in the cell.
 81. A method identifying compounds which effectcurrents in a cell containing a mutant KCNQ1 protein comprising:providing a cell expressing a mutant G189W KCNQ1 protein in a bathingsolution; measuring a first induced current in the cell; adding a testcompound to the bathing solution; and measuring the effect of thecompound on currents in the cell.
 82. A method identifying compoundswhich effect currents in a cell containing a mutant KCNH2 proteincomprising: providing a cell expressing a mutant KCNH2 protein selectedfrom the group consisting of R356H, a C deletion at 764 and a W398 stopcodon, in a bathing solution; measuring a first induced current; addinga test compound to the bathing solution; and measuring the effect of thecompound on currents in the cell.